Phd position: Novel Functional Germanates, Nottingham Trent University

Germanium chemistry has received little attention until recently. A few porous GeO2-based frameworks have been synthesised. They have topologies which cannot be realised for SiO2, due to differences in Ge-O-Ge and Si-O-Si bond angles. Furthermore Ge can exhibit variable co-ordination numbers, which may exist simultaneously within a single material, leading to enormous structural diversity.

Many germanate ions are also stable under very high temperature conditions meaning that highly ordered ceramic germanates are also synthetically possible; porous materials may even be precursors to the formation of ceramics. The aims of this project are to synthesise porous lanthanide germanates (analogues to aluminosilicate zeolites) and condensed lanthanide germanate ceramics. Materials will be investigated structurally and physically; they will then be evaluated in terms of their chemical (e.g. catalytic) properties, as well as their luminescent and magnetic properties for potential use in environmental, industrial and bio-sensor applications.

Entry requirement
A first class or upper second class U.K. BSc (Hons) degree (or equivalent) or Masters degree in Chemistry or Physics.

Eligibility
Applications can be accepted from UK/EU and also International students. The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 560/iBT 94-95.

Applying
For informal enquiries about the studentship, please contact Dr Gary Hix.
For an application form, please email sat.research@ntu.ac.uk or telephone: +44 (0)115 848 3269, or alternatively download a copy here www.ntu.ac.uk/research/research_degrees/studentships/96290.html

Please return the completed application form, with copies of academic and English proficiency (if applicable) certificates, to:

The Research Graduate Studies Office (Science)
Erasmus Darwin Building
Nottingham Trent University
Clifton Lane
Nottingham NG11 8NS


Funding Notes
Fees (2009/10)
Full-time PhD registration is for a minimum of three years and a maximum of four years.

Home/EU tuition fees: £3,390 (likely to rise in each subsequent year)
International tuition fees: £10,200 (likely to rise in each subsequent year)
Bench fee (annual): £3,000.

If a student has not submitted his/her thesis by the end of year 3, he/she is required to enrol for a fourth year and pay the Continuation Fee to enable him/her to complete and submit the thesis. The Continuation Fee is currently £300 (increases every year). No Bench fee is payable in year 4.

Please quote 10 Academic Resources Daily in your application to this opportunity!

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