PhD Studentship: Generation and Detection of OH Radicals in Plasmonic Nanogaps

This PhD project focuses on generating and detecting hydroxyl (OH) radicals within plasmonic nanogaps, leveraging their extraordinary field enhancement to drive and monitor chemical reactions at the nanoscale. OH radicals play a critical role in atmospheric chemistry and advanced oxidation processes, and understanding their dynamics is essential for applications in environmental sensing and catalysis.

The project will utilize plasmonic nanostructures to create highly confined optical hotspots [1-5] that drive localized plasmon-induced photochemistry. By functionalizing these nanogaps with precursor molecules, the research will explore the selective generation of OH radicals under laser illumination. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy, will be employed to detect and quantify OH radicals with high sensitivity. A key aspect of the work will involve studying the dependence of radical generation on plasmonic parameters (e.g., gap size, material properties) and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity.

The outcomes of this research will advance our understanding of plasmon-driven chemical reactions, enabling the design of nanoscale systems for real-time monitoring of reactive species and contributing to innovations in environmental sensing and nanocatalysis.

Applicants should have completed (or closer to completion) their undergraduate degree in Physics, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or related Physical Sciences (preferably with first-class honours or equivalent). Strong analytical and experimental skills are desirable. The project's specifics will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate, tailoring the research to their interests.

The project will be conducted within the research group led by Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/chikkaraddy-rohit.aspx), based at the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, UK.

The University is actively committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all sections of society. In line with the Department’s Athena SWAN programme, we particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

Funding, awarded on a competitive basis, is available to UK/EU nationals, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years. Non-EU candidates with the appropriate qualifications will be considered.

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button and clearly specify the project's title, the name of the supervisor (Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy), and the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre. The application deadline is January 10, 2025.

For information on available funding, application guidance, or any other informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy at r.chikkaraddy@bham.ac.uk. 

References:

[1] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Single-molecule mid-infrared spectroscopy and detection through vibrationally assisted luminescence", Nat. Photon. 17, 865–871 (2023).

[2] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Mid-infrared-perturbed molecular vibrational signatures in plasmonic nanocavities". Light: Science & Applications, 11, 19 (2022).

[3] A. Xomalis, X. Zheng, R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Detecting mid-infrared light by molecular frequency upconversion in dual-wavelength nanoantennas". Science, 374, 1268 (2021).

[4] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Single-molecule strong coupling at room temperature in plasmonic nanocavities", Nature, 535, 127, (2016).

[5] R. Chikkaraddy, Single molecule ready to couple. Nat. Phys. 20, 694–695 (2024).

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