约克大学PhD Position in Dynamic Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy申请条件要求-申请方
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约克大学
PhD直招介绍
About the Project
Background
To combat the climate crisis, the chemical industry must transition to renewable energy. Photocatalysis, using sunlight to drive chemical reactions like hydrogen production and carbon dioxide utilization, presents a highly promising pathway. However, creating next-generation, high-efficiency photocatalysts is bottlenecked by a fundamental limitation: we cannot easily see what happens on a catalyst's surface while it operates.
This PhD project tackles this challenge by using state-of-the-art Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy (ETEM). You will capture real-time, atomic-scale changes in photocatalysts under gas environments while exposed to light. By imaging these systems in motion, your research will bridge the gap between static material characterization and active, working chemistry.
The York JEOL Nanocentre houses a state-of-the-art aberration-corrected ETEM with a differentially pumped-open cell configuration allowing simultaneous atomic imaging, spectroscopy and diffraction. This project builds on recent instrumental upgrades and prior research projects pioneering the development of ETEM at York.
Objectives
The successful candidate will lead an innovative research programme focused on capturing the structural and chemical evolution of photocatalytic nanomaterials at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions.
1. Visualizing Catalysts in Active Environments
By introducing reactant gases (such as H₂O vapour or CO₂) directly onto the photocatalyst specimen microscope viewing area, atomic-resolution videos of surface reconstructions, nanoparticle facets, and active sites under illumination will be recorded.
2. Tracking Charge Dynamics and Deactivation
Structure is only half the story; we should also be able to track electrons by employing cutting-edge spectroscopy to map how energy moves through the material.
Utilize Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) to monitor changes in oxidation states and track surface plasmon resonances in real time.
Identify the atomistic mechanisms behind catalyst degradation and poisoning, providing crucial insights into how to make solar-to-chemical conversion technologies last longer.
Correlate dynamic structural data with overall chemical yield measurements taken from the exhaust of the environmental cell.
Experimental Approach and Training
This project provides an exceptional opportunity to become an expert in advanced microscopy; a skill set in massive demand across both academia and global tech industries. You will be embedded within a premier microscopy facility, gaining hands-on experience in:
Advanced Electron Microscopy: Operando ETEM, aberration-corrected STEM, and high-frame-rate pixelated detectors.
Analytical Spectroscopy: In-situ EELS, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and complementary synchrotron techniques.
Nanomaterial Synthesis: Design and fabrication of advanced heterojunctions, plasmonic nanoparticles, and 2D photocatalysts.
You will join a vibrant, highly collaborative research team. The project includes dedicated funding for travel to major international microscopy and catalysis conferences, alongside publication support, and mentorship tailored towards a career in microscopy or the green-technology sector.
Novelty
These measurements would provide unprecedented insight into atomistic and energy dynamics in photocatalytic reactions. In addition, new microscopy methodology would be developed that could be applied to a wider range of catalytic reactions
Equality and Diversity
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed/
As part of our commitment to Equality and Diversity, and Widening Participation, we are working with the YCEDE project ( https://ycede.ac.uk/ ) to improve the number of under-represented groups participating in doctoral study. All Home applicants with eligible qualifications who self-identify as being a member of a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic group will be invited to an interview for their chosen project(s). When the department acknowledges your application, you will have an opportunity to declare this information if you wish. More information about the YCEDE project can be provided by Professor Avtar Matharu
References
Candidate selection process:
You should hold or expect to receive at least an upper second class degree in chemistry or a relevant related subject
Applicants should submit a PhD application to the University of York by midnight on Monday 4 January 2027.
Supervisors may contact candidates to arrange further discussion.
Supervisors can nominate up to 2 candidates to be interviewed for the project
The interview panel will shortlist candidates for interview from all those nominated
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview between 8-10 February 2027.
The awarding committee will allocate studentships following the panel interviews
Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the panel’s decision by email, including the funding source and duration.
约克大学 PhD Position in Dynamic Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy项目有没有奖学金，是不是全奖Phd招生，下面我们一起看一下【大学名称】Phd的奖学金资助情况
项目资助情况
Funding Notes
Funding will come from the Department of Chemistry, the EPSRC or the Chemistry Wild Fund.
Studentships include i) tuition fees, ii) tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) iii) funding for consumables/training/analytical facilities.
Either 3 or 3.5 year duration, depending on the funder.
Home rate fee payers are eligible for EPSRC and Department of Chemistry funding.
International rate fee payers are eligible for EPSRC funding and Chemistry Wild Fund.
Offers will state funding source and duration. Not all projects will be funded.
Fee status information: View Website
( https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/fees/status/ )
Please note funding does not include visa costs or NHS surcharge for visa holders.
约克大学Phd申请条件和要求都有哪些？PhD Position in Dynamic Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy项目是不是全奖？有没有奖学金？下面我们一起看一下约克大学申请Phd直招需要具备哪些条件和要求，以及托福、雅思语言成绩要到多少才能申请。
申请要求
Entry requirements
You should hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a relevant related subject. Check the entry requirements for your country: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/your-country/
English language requirements: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/international/english/
报名方式
联系人
姓名：Avtar Matharu
邮箱：avtar.matharu@yorkac.uk
招生人信息
Prof R E Douthwaite, Prof V Lazarov
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