A new generation of functional nanomaterials: solvent-free synthesis of size-selected nanoparticles, atomic imaging... (full title below)

Project Title:
A NEW GENERATION OF FUNCTIONAL NANOMATERIALS: SOLVENT-FREE SYNTHESIS OF SIZE-SELECTED NANOPARTICLES, ATOMIC IMAGING AND APPLICATIONS IN CATALYSIS, MEDICAL SENSING, QUANTUM OPTICS AND ENERGY

Nanoparticle beam deposition represents a radical new approach to the environmentally-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles for catalysis, biomedicine and clean energy generation, storage and distribution. The method is solvent- and thus effluent-free, and satisfies the growing demand for green, sustainable manufacturing of advanced materials. The Nanomaterials Lab at Swansea is world leader in the scale up to this approach from the previous level to the gram+ level, enabling frontier R&D of great interest to high tech companies.

The Research Engineer will focus on the underlying science and discovery of next generation materials for selective catalysis, biosensing (theranostics) and energy applications (quantum optics for displays, batteries, and molecular electro-fuels). The project will employ a brand-new size-selected Nanoparticle Beam source built by the Swansea Lab to be located at the Diamond Synchrotron at Harwell near Oxford and enable spectroscopic and microscopic measurements of deposited nanoclusters under realistic reaction conditions.

The student is sponsored by Diamond Light Source Ltd. and as such, the project will involve considerable experimental skills and interface with collaborating theory groups.

In terms of resources/facilities the Research Engineer will utilise the following at Swansea University and Diamond site at Harwell:
Swansea University - a set of nanocluster beam sources, high resolution TEM, XPS and SPM.
Diamond - Swansea's new size-selected nanocuster beam source, advanced facilities for imaging, spectroscopy and analysis and functional testing of novel materials for catalysis and energy applications.

The CDT will produce 50 graduates with doctoral level knowledge and research skills focussed on the development and manufacture of functional industrial coatings. Key impact areas are:

Knowledge
- The development of new products and processes to address real scientific challenges existing in industry and to transfer this knowledge into partnering companies. The CDT will enable rapid knowledge transfer between academia and industry due to the co-created projects and co-supervision.
- The creation of knowledge sharing network for partner companies created by the environment of the CDT.
- On average 2-3 publications per RE. Publications in high impact factor journals. The scientific scope of the CDT comprises a mixture of interdisciplinary areas and as such a breadth of knowledge can be generated through the CDT. Examples would include Photovoltaic coatings - Journal of Materials Chemistry A (IF 8.867) and Anti-corrosion Coatings - Corrosion Science (IF 5.245), Progress in Organic Coatings (IF 2.903)
- REs will disseminate knowledge at leading conferences e.g. Materials Research Society (MRS), Meetings of the Electrochemical Society, and through trade associations and Institutes representing the coatings sector.
- A bespoke training package on the formulation, function, use, degradation and end of life that will embed the latest research and will be available to industry partners for employees to attend as CPD and for other PGRs demonstrating added value from the CDT environment.

Wealth Creation
- Value added products and processes created through the CDT will generate benefits for Industrial partners and supply chains helping to build a productive nation.
- Employment of graduates into industry will transfer their knowledge and skills into businesses enabling innovation within these companies.
- Swansea University will support potential spin out companies where appropriate through its dedicated EU funded commercialisation project, Agor IP.

Environment and society
- Functionalised surfaces can potentially improve human health through anti-microbial surfaces for health care infrastructure and treatment of water using photocatalytic coatings.
- Functionalised energy generation coatings will contribute towards national strategies regarding clean and secure energy.
- Responsible research and innovation is an overarching theme of the CDT with materials sustainability, ethics, energy and end of life considered throughout the development of new coatings and processes. Thus, REs will be trained to approach all future problems with this mind set.
- Outreach is a critical element of the training programme (for example, a module delivered by the Ri on public engagement) and our REs will have skills that enable the dissemination of their knowledge to wide audiences thus generating interest in science and engineering and the benefits that investments can bring.

People
- Highly employable doctoral gradates with a holistic knowledge of functional coatings manufacture who can make an immediate impact in industry or academia.
- The REs will have transferable skills that are pertinent across multiple sectors.
- The CDT will develop ethically aware engineers with sustainability embed throughout their training
- The promotion of equality, diversity and inclusivity within our cohorts through CDT and University wide initiatives.
- The development of alumni networks to grow new opportunities for our CDT and provide REs with mentors.