PhD Studentship - Spin-chains of Stable Graphene NanoRibbons

Research theme: Chemistry of nanographenes and molecular magnets

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

This PhD project is fully funded by an EPSRC DTG. This covers tuition fees at the home rate and a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate, £19,237 for 2024/25. This studentship is open to all eligible UK students. At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level. Please see the project description for further details. The proposed start date is September 2025.

The formation of ordered magnets, such as spin-chains representing one-dimensional arrays of spins, relies on cooperative effects among magnetic spins. The choice of the linker connecting the spin carriers is pivotal, as it dictates communication and interactions between them. A compelling strategy involves employing a π-conjugated polymer as a linker, functioning as a control switch/medium for magnetic interactions through its extended conjugation. These π-conjugated systems offer advantages with tunable opto-electronic and electrochemical properties, providing additional controls on magnetic interactions. Further functionalization on the linker can adjust electronic conductivity, opening avenues for novel quantum materials and, potentially, high-temperature conductive magnets.

This project centers on edge-functionalized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), nanometer-wide cut-outs of graphene, serving as spin-chains to host spin-containing moieties (Nature 2018, 557, 691). The novelty lies in utilizing bottom-up-synthesized GNRs as rigid linear chains, creating an ideal and sought-after spin-chain. The properties of spin-chains remain underexplored due to limited access to this cutting-edge area in synthetic chemistry, forming the focal point of this fully funded PhD project.

The successful candidate will design and synthesize functionalized GNRs and carbon-metal coordination compounds using both organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry techniques. The structural characterization will involve NMR, MALDI-TOF, chromatography (HPLC and GPC), and spectroscopy (IR, Raman, etc.). Collaborating with experts in quantum chemistry and EPR spectroscopy, the project will delve into the magnetic properties of the synthesized spin-chains. The researcher will undergo training in synthetic organic/inorganic techniques and characterization methods, including NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemistry, SQUID magnetometry, and EPR spectroscopy.

Please contact Dr Ashok Keerthi (ashok.keerthi@manchester.ac.uk, before you apply. Please include a CV).

The proposed start date is September 2025.

Applicants are expected to hold, or about to obtain, a minimum upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in Chemistry.

A Master’s degree in a relevant subject and experience in synthetic organic or inorganic chemistry is desirable. Candidates with an interest in carbon based nanomaterials and nanographenes synthesis or experience in chemistry of molecular magnets are encouraged to apply.

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