Chemistry: Fully Funded SU/ UKRI PhD Studentship: Using Rotations to Control Gas-Surface Reactions

It is a scientist’s dream to be able to control the outcome of a reaction just by changing the initial quantum state of the reactants. In this project, the student will explore if it is possible to control whether a molecule reacts (dissociates) on a surface, just by changing how it is rotating with respect to the surface before the collision. The focus of the work will be the dissociation of hydrogen on surfaces, which plays a crucial role in a variety of processes, from star formation to the industrial manufacture of chemicals, as well as developing a sustainable future.   

The group the student will join, which is part of a wider team made up of both chemists and physicists, makes use of and further develops a unique magnetic molecular interferometer which allows us to control whether the hydrogen molecule is preferentially rotating like a helicopter or a cartwheel before it collides with the surface. During the PhD project, which is part of a Future Leaders Fellowship, the student will learn how to use the magnetic molecular interferometer apparatus to study molecule-surface reactions, gaining knowledge of a variety of topics including molecular beams, surface sample preparation techniques, different measurement methods, ultra-high vacuum chambers and cryogenic technologies. This will be combined with computational work including analysing the experimental data as well as running and further developing the numerical simulation codes the group currently uses to determine the optimum conditions in which to perform the experiments. 

Funding Details

UK Fee Eligible Students: This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25). 

International Students: This scholarship will cover the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend if the applicant is successful in being offered a SUIPRES Scholarship as outlined below.

Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.   

The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability.  

All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter. 

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