Biophotonic nanomaterials: interfacing quantum dots with light-absorbing proteins to improve their efficiency of solar energy harvesting

The global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources necessitates the development of more advanced technologies for solar energy harvesting. Nanomaterials, due to their unique optical and electronic properties, have become pivotal in this field. This project will explore the integration of nanomaterials with optically-active biomolecules, focusing on the proteins found in plants that absorb sunlight. These plant proteins are a source of inspiration for solar energy research because the early stages of photosynthesis have a very high quantum efficiency. Light-harvesting proteins (LHPs) from plants contain chlorophyll pigments and are highly effective at absorbing blue and red light, however, they absorb poorly in other spectral regions. In contrast, quantum dots (QDs) are tiny semiconductor nanoparticles, which are very stable, can absorb photons over a much wider spectral range than LHPs. We need to develop novel methods to link QDs to LHPs and enable energy transfer to extend the LHP spectral range and form novel nanocomposite materials.<br /> <br /> In this project, we will synthesize new types of QDs and link them to proteins in new ways, to produce a “bio-hybrid” nanomaterial that is more effective at absorbing solar energy. The objectives are: (1) to synthesise QDs where size and surface chemistry are varied to be optimal for the system, (2) to generate specialized biomembranes that contain attachment sites for the QDs, (3) to attach the LHP directly to the QDs with novel linker molecules. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in microscopy and spectroscopy to characterize the structural and photophysical properties of this biohybrid system using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy tools to elucidate the energy transfer pathways. The findings from this project will support the nanotechnology industry to develop devices capable of converting solar energy into electricity with greater efficiency, ultimately contributing to the global shift towards sustainable energy.<br /> <br /> We welcome applications from students with a background or interest in nanotechnology, biophysics, chemistry, physics, or related fields. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in STEM. Our research group is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. We are also committed to providing accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact us to discuss any specific needs.

<p style="margin-top:7px; margin-bottom:7px">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 <strong>PHD Physics & Astronomy FT </strong>and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>“Biophotonic nanomaterials: interfacing quantum dots with light-absorbing proteins to improve their efficiency of solar energy harvesting”</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4098/dr-peter-adams">Dr Peter Adams</a> and <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4104/dr-kevin-critchley">Dr Kevin Critchley</a>  as your proposed supervisors.</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 Friday 13 December 2024 if applying for the Bell Burnell Scholarship, 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> <ul type="disc"> <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> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you submit your application with your supporting documents, in order for your application to be considered.</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>

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 style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>UK </strong>– The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a> is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP) <strong>(closing date: Friday 13 December 2024)</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><strong> (closing date: Monday 3 February 2025) </strong>and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> 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 <strong>(closing date: Monday 6 January 2025)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/111-fulbright-university-of-leeds-award">Leeds Fulbright 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. Please contact the supervisors for advice on applying.</p> <p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></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 <strong>not </strong>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. 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 style="margin-top:7px; margin-bottom:7px">For further information about this project, please contact Dr Peter Adams: e: <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 9718.</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions: e: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>