Scalable and sustainable synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and related framework materials are an important materials solution for the energy transition, including exciting prospects for gas storage (hydrogen and carbon dioxide), energy efficient chemical separations, and for use in membranes in fuel cells and batteries. With this overarching aim in mind, scalable but also sustainable production routes are needed to deliver materials with the required properties at scale. This project will build on the development of a water-based flow reactor platform for MOF synthesis at Leeds. In particular, the project will look to optimise the reactor flow patterns, investigate the interactions of additional stimuli (e.g. ultrasound), and explore possibilities in self-optimisation with on- or in-line analysis. The rich variety of framework chemistries presents a guiding challenge for developing a generalisable reactor design, and so this project will look to develop syntheses and construct new reactors for a variety of target framework materials. By linking synthesis through to evaluation of functional properties (e.g. gas sorption and electrochemical analyses), the project will balance simultaneous objectives including production rate and materials performance requirements.

<p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Additional detail:</strong></p> <p>Coordination polymers encompass a rich variety of materials including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as well as covalent organic frameworks and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks. These materials are built from nodes (e.g. metal ions or clusters in MOFs) bridged by organic linker molecules, including diverse functional group chemistries spanning carboxylate, imidazolate, phosphonate, and sulfonate linkers among many others.</p> <p>Highly crystalline framework materials stand out for their structurally defined porosity and record surface areas, important for applications in gas storage [1], membrane-based chemical separations (as an alternative to energy-intensive distillations) [2], and catalysis [3]. Their tuneable functional group chemistry also makes them excellent candidates for dense materials applications including proton and ion conduction in membranes for fuel cells and batteries.</p> <p>At Leeds, we have recently developed a class of sulfonate coordination polymers and MOFs for proton exchange membrane applications [4, 5], establishing both reactors for enhanced space time yield as well as probing the materials properties using electrochemistry. This project has culminated in a ultrasound-assisted water-based two-phase flow reactor for MOF syntheses applied to not only sulfonates but also carboxylate and imidazolate examples.</p> <p>This project will leverage this underpinning work to look at how reactor design affects syntheses for varied MOF chemistries and structures, with a particular view to also automate the operation and optimisation of the reactor platform, such as through self-optimising control and on- or in-line feedback for reactor control.</p> <p>The project will include work across the School of Chemical and Process Engineering as well as the School of Chemistry and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research at the University of Leeds, offering lots of support and teams of experienced researchers across intersecting elements of the project.</p> <p><strong>References:</strong></p> <p>[1] R. Freund et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 23975-24001. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202106259">https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202106259</a>.</p> <p>[2] Q. Qian et al. Chem. Rev. 2020, 120, 8161-8266. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00119">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00119</a>.</p> <p>[3] A. Griffiths et al. Nanoscale 2023,15, 17910-17921. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03634K" title="Link to landing page via DOI">https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR03634K</a></p> <p>[4] C. Sun et al. Chem. Engin. J. 2023, 474, 145892. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.145892">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.145892</a></p> <p>[5] C. Sun et al. J. Mater. Chem. A 2024, 12, 18440-18451. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01716A">https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01716A</a>.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemical & Process Engineering FT</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Scalable and sustainable synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/8179/dr-sean-collins">Dr Sean Collins</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly the <em><strong>funding source that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship.</strong></p> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> (closing date: Monday 3 February 2025) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025) are available to UK applicants.  <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (closing date: Monday 6 January 2025). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Sean Collins by email to <a href="mailto:s.m.collins@leeds.ac.uk">s.m.collins@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>