Extreme Conditions Chemistry of Lanthanide and Actinide Metals and Oxides

About the Project

Lanthanide and actinide materials play a central role in nuclear science and technology, underpinning nuclear fuels, structural materials, and long-term waste forms. Their oxides and hydrides are particularly important, controlling fuel performance, hydrogen uptake, and chemical stability under extreme conditions. Despite their importance, the high-pressure, high-temperature reaction chemistry of these materials remains poorly constrained, limiting predictive capability for nuclear materials stewardship. At the same time, these f-element systems have emerged as promising candidates for high-temperature—and potentially room-temperature—superconductivity, further motivating a detailed understanding of their behaviour under extreme conditions.

As such, this project will investigate the reaction chemistry of lanthanide and actinide metals, oxides, and hydrides under extreme conditions (>100,000 times atmospheric pressure and >1000°C) using diamond anvil cell (DAC) techniques combined with Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In particular, the project will focus on i) the development of enhanced high-temperature capability for in situ Raman and XRD experiments, extending resistive heating to ~1100 °C; ii) high-pressure and high-temperature studies of binary oxides; iii) investigation of oxide reactivity with simple gases (e.g. H2, N2); and iv) formation and stability of binary hydrides produced in situ.

Ultimately, this PhD thesis will generate new constraints on phase stability, diffusion mechanics, and reactions in f-element systems under extreme conditions, directly supporting improved understanding of materials relevant to superconductivity and nuclear energy.

The student will be based at the University of Edinburgh, and work will be carried out at the Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions (CSEC), part of the School of Physics and Astronomy, in the group of Dr Dominique Laniel. The project will involve frequent travel to large instruments, namely synchrotrons in the UK, Europe, and the United States. The student will also work closely with scientists at AWE Nuclear Security Technologies. The stipend of this 4-year PhD is of approximately £22,300/year.

Project Essential Criteria

• A Master’s level degree, 2.1 or above, in a relevant subject e.g. Chemistry, Physics.
• Candidate must be of UK Citizenship.

Enquiries/Applications: Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr Dominique Laniel by email to discuss the position informally and should include a brief CV detailing their suitability for the role. Formal applications should be made through the University of Edinburgh online portal and include a CV and cover letter.