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Responsive Metal-Organic Framework Materials

Summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a major new family of material that are attracting enormous interest due to their designable structures and advanced capabilities.  This project will involve the synthesis and detailed characterisation of MOFs that displace a range of exciting new chemical, physical and structural properties.  A key target in this work will be the combination of multiple properties within individual materials, allowing new forms of interplay to be investigated and leading to the emergence of entirely new materials behaviours.

A complimentary scholarship for this project may be available through a competitive process. To find out more, refer to the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Excellence Award and contact Professor Cameron Kepert directly.

Supervisor

Professor Cameron Kepert.

Research location

School of Chemistry

Program type

PHD

Synopsis

The project builds on considerable recent success within Professor Cameron Kepert's group in the achievement of new materials properties.  The approach will target the strategic incorporation of three important functionalities:

  1. nanoporosity, to create solids capable of the reversible inclusion, seperation and storage of technologically relevant molecules and ions
  2. structural response, to give solids that exhibit unusual and useful temperature-, pressure- and guest-dependent mechanical behaviours; and
  3. electronic and magnetic function, to generate materials where electrons can be transported between metal centres or switched between different states.
Charaterisation of the dynamic structures of the new materials will involve a combination of advanced x-ray and neutron techniques, both locally and at major national facilities.  Characterisations of chemical and physical properties will jointly explore the host-guest chemistries and electronic/magnetic/structural behaviours, including with in situ measurements to probe the novel interplay between these.  These combined efforts will lead to the generation and understanding of an array of new and interesting materials behaviours, advancing both our fundamental understandings of materials properties and establishing new avenues for technological applications.

Additional information

The project involves input from a network of national and international collaborators.

A complimentary scholarship for this project may be available through a competitive process. To find out more, refer to the Faculty of Science Postgraduate Research Excellence Award and contact Professor Cameron Kepert directly.

HDR Inherent Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2664