Advanced Molecular Materials and Emergent Quantum Phenomena

The project will investigate tunable molecular materials, where atom-by-atom modifications enables control over electronic and magnetic properties, with the aim of realising and identifying exotic quantum states. These states underpin some of the most intriguing open questions in condensed matter physics and may ultimately inform future technologies, including energy-efficient computing and superconductivity, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable technological infrastructure.

At Nottingham Trent University the PhD candidate will undertake synthesis of molecular materials using advanced electrochemical techniques and single-crystal X-ray crystallography to understand structure–property relationships which will guide the design of materials. Physical property measurements will be performed both at NTU and through a global network of interdisciplinary collaborations with chemists, physicists, and materials scientists which will investigate physical properties under extreme conditions (low temperature, high magnetic field, high pressure).

Supervisors

• Lee Martin
• Anthony Fitzpatrick
• Ed Breeds
• Matthew Addicoat

References

T. J. Blundell, K. Sneade, J. O. Ogar, S. Yamashita, H. Akutsu, Y. Nakazawa, T. Yamamotoand L. Martin, 2D Quantum Spin-Liquid Candidate including a chiral anion, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2025. DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c12386
L. Martin, J. D. Wallis and J. O. Ogar, Chirality in Molecular Conductors from Enantiopure or Racemic Coordination Complexes, Dalton Trans., 2025, 54, 6005-6014. DOI: 10.1039/D5DT00249D
T. J. Blundell, M. Brannan, H. Nishimoto, T. Kadoya, J.-i. Yamada, H. Akutsu, Y. Nakazawa and L. Martin, Chiral Metal Down to 4.2K - a BDH-TTP Radical-Cation Salt with Spiroboronate Anion B(2-chloromandelate)2−, Chem. Commun., 2021, 57, 5406–5409. DOI: 10.1039/D1CC01441B