Surfactant adsorption in dynamic environments: Application in agrochemical product formulation

The agrochemicals sector is worth over £2B to the UK economy. These speciality chemicals are manufactured and sold around the world to protect crops, improve soil fertility and increase crop yields; all three being critical to our ability to feed the growing global population. <br /> <br /> Agrochemical products are mixtures of active and inert ingredients, formulated as a concentrate which is then diluted before use. In the concentrate, the active ingredient (AI) can aggregate which destabilizes the formulation. To avoid this, short chain amphiphilic molecules (surfactants) are added to adsorb onto the AI via electrostatic attraction, creating a steric barrier that inhibits particle aggregation. To achieve good product stability, surfactants are often added in excess, which is not necessarily needed. However, these AI systems are not well studied/understood as surfactants adsorb onto the inorganic particles as they crystallize from a supersaturated solution. <br /> <br /> In this project, we will develop methods to characterize surfactant adsorption onto the AI particles. Experimental techniques such as quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy, along with scattering techniques at national synchrotron facilities will form a suite of complimentary techniques that will answer critical questions relating to the preferential adsorption of surfactants on different AI particle surfaces, the potential for surfactants to be incorporated into the crystal structure, and how the surfactant adsorption isotherm changes in a dynamic environment. Although experimentally focused, computational modelling techniques can also be used and the candidate will encouraged to use relevant tools if it’s in their interest to develop these skills.<br /> <br /> We are seeking a candidate who is highly motivated, keen to develop their research knowledge in the areas of crystallization and colloids and surface science, and is passionate about global food supply. The project is co-funded by Syngenta Group which is a leading technology company for agricultural innovation. Syngenta’s mission is to offer large and small farming businesses the tools to address a wide range of challenges associated with crop productivity and health, to manage food demand, the effects of climate change and help preserve biodiversity. The project will involve close collaboration with the R&D team at Syngenta, and the candidate will have the opportunity to complete a research placement within the R&D group. <br /> <br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">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>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences </strong></em>(if you do not apply under this programme code, your application will not be considered), in the Research Area, the project you wish to apply for is <em><strong>Surfactant adsorption in dynamic environments: Application in agrochemical product formulation</strong></em> and that the funding you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Chemical & Process Engineering</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the deadline.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before formally applying.  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 a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 28th February 2025:</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 or a Research Proposal if applying with your own project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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 class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</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 Scholarship and your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For information about this specific project, please email Assoc. Prof. David Harbottle; Email: <a href="mailto:d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk">d.harbottle@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>