Synthetic inorganic chemistry and Spectroscopy of inorganic systems

Overview

Two positions are available in synthetic inorganic chemistry and one in spectroscopy of inorganic systems.

Hydrogen generation with sustainable resources – a combined molecular, computational and engineering approach

Hydrogen is an important fuel source and commodity chemical used in a wide range of industrial processes. Unfortunately, almost all the hydrogen produced currently is obtained from the steam reforming process which is both energy intensive and generates carbon dioxide as a by-product.

There are already several photocatalytic systems, including bimetallic metal complexes that can efficiently generate hydrogen in this way. However, the current technologies use Noble metals which are expensive and rare. We will use earth abundant transition metals such as iron, cobalt and copper by re-designing the photocatalytic systems.

This project is a Marsden funded project involving reserachers in Jena, Germany (Profs Kupfer, Shilitto and Weigand) and Nottingham, UK (Prof George). The project may involve visits to collaborators in Germany and the UK.

Kindly contact either jcrowley@chemistry.otago.ac.nz or keith.gordon@otago.ac.nz with any questions

Prior experience

The projects involve the synthesis of new metal complexes and their study using spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Two of the researchers will focus more on synthesis with the third undertaking computational studies and spectroscopic measurements including transient spectroscopy. Some overlap of expertise and interest is welcome. Experience in any of these areas is useful.

Stipend

NZD 35,000 per annum plus fees.

Application

As part of your application package, kindly include:

• CV (including 2-3 referee information)

• Cover Letter (this may include: a description of why you want to undertake a PhD; how your previous experiences have prepared you for the research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within or outside of academia)

Applications will be accepted beginning February until the positions are filled.

Kindly contact either jcrowley@chemistry.otago.ac.nz or keith.gordon@otago.ac.nz with any questions