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Crystallisation and Directed Assembly

PGR-RA-107

Expertise of research area
carbon nanomaterials; Catalysis; crystal engineering; crystallisation; electron microscopy; nanoscience; particle population; polymer; supramolecular; Synthesis; x-ray crystallography


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

This research group focuses on the application of assembly-based approaches for the generation of new functional materials.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p>When we look at nature, a fundamental feature of many of the materials or matter formed (which range from crystalline solids such as salt, to tightly-packed DNA in chromosomes, functional proteins, bio-membranes, and even macroscopic structures such as bone) is that they display highly organised structures.</p> <p>Interestingly, such materials are often generated by the self-assembly of smaller sub-units, where the composition and geometry of the sub-units dictate how they interact and then assemble. In this way, nature can construct complex materials with remarkable properties that go far beyond that achievable with small molecules.</p> <p>The research within&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-groups/doc/crystallisation-directed-assembly">Crystallisation and Directed Assembly</a> takes inspiration from these processes and is investigating how assembly occurs over length scales ranging from the molecular to the mesoscale.</p> <p>Addressing topics ranging from crystallization, supramolecular assembly, nanoreactor templating, crystal engineering and the assembly of bio-molecules we are developing an understanding of the physico-chemical interactions which govern assembly processes.</p> <p>With this insight, we are then able to design and build new structures/materials, with tailor-made properties, where targets can include new molecular devices, catalytic materials, drug therapies, electronic components, sensors, energy storage or batteries.</p> <p>if you are interested in PhD study wthin Crystallisation and Directed Assembly, please view our full list of research areas&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-groups/doc/crystallisation-directed-assembly/page/2">research areas</a>&nbsp;or contact the individual supervisors listed below:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4169/dr-richard-ansell">Richard Ansell</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4171/dr-stefan-auer">Stefan Auer</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4203/dr-paul-beales">Paul Beales</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4213/dr-tom-chamberlain">Thomas Chamberlain</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4173/professor-malcolm-halcrow">Malcolm Halcrow</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4189/professor-michaele-hardie">Michaele Hardie</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4202/professor-fiona-meldrum">Fiona Meldrum</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4212/dr-robert-menzel">Robert Menzel</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/5826/professor-andrew-nelson">Andrew Nelson</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4208/dr-paul-thornton">Paul Thornton</a></li> </ul> <h5>Why do your PhD at Leeds?&nbsp;</h5> <p><strong>96% of our research is world-leading (REF 2021)&nbsp;</strong><br /> At Leeds, our research addresses the most prevalent real-world challenges &ndash; providing solutions that have had both a national and global impact.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Study in an active research environment&nbsp;</strong><br /> Studying your PhD with us means you&rsquo;ll be working in a professional research environment, using UK-leading facilities to bring your project to life &ndash; alongside active researchers who are at the forefront of their area.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>A strong network of support &nbsp;</strong><br /> The Leeds Doctoral College connects our community of researchers and can offer you the guidance, services and opportunities you&rsquo;ll need to get the most out of your PhD.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Close industry links&nbsp;</strong><br /> Our partnerships and links to companies and academic institutions give you the opportunity to network at industry talks, seminars and conferences, building connections that&#39;ll benefit your next steps after you complete your PhD.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Professional skills development &nbsp;</strong><br /> We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That&rsquo;s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that&#39;ll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Personal and wellbeing services&nbsp;</strong><br /> Mental health and wellbeing support are integral to who we are at Leeds and you&rsquo;ll have access to the full range of services we offer to ensure you&rsquo;re feeling your best &ndash; and reaching your potential in your studies.&nbsp;<br /> <strong>Join our global community&nbsp;</strong><br /> We welcome students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries, all over the world. This means, as a university, we&rsquo;re bringing together different cultures and perspectives which helps strengthen our research &ndash; and societal impact.</p> <h3>Useful links and further reading:</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/info/9/research_degrees">Research degrees within the School of Chemistry</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-groups/doc/crystallisation-directed-assembly">Crystallisation and Directed Assembly group</a></li> <li><a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry-research-innovation">School of Chemistry, Research and Innovation</a></li> </ul> <h3>Leeds Doctoral College</h3> <p>Our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-leeds-doctoral-college">Doctoral College</a> supports you throughout your postgraduate research journey. It brings together all the support services and opportunities to enhance your research, your development, and your overall experience.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<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&#39;s website</a>.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For general enquiries and details regarding the application process, please contact the Graduate School Office:<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 34 35057</p>


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>
<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h2>