One-dimensional Graphene Nanoribbons and Two-dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks for Quantum Technologies

About the Project

Quantum technologies are poised to transform computing, communication, and sensing. At the heart of these advances lie novel quantum materials with precisely tailored properties. This PhD project will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterisation of one-dimensional graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) and two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as building blocks for next-generation quantum devices.

GNRs, with their atomically defined edges, exhibit exceptional electronic, spin, and topological properties, making them ideal candidates for quantum information processing. Complementarily, COFs offer crystalline, porous, and tunable architectures capable of hosting and controlling charge, spin, and photon interactions. By integrating GNRs and COFs, this project aims to create hybrid quantum materials that enable coherent spin transport, quantum confinement, and topological states.

Research Approach

Synthetic Chemistry & Nanofabrication: Development of bottom-up strategies for GNRs and crystalline COFs.

Characterisation: Advanced microscopy (AFM/SEM), spectroscopy (Raman, EPR, PL), and quantum transport measurements.

Quantum Device Prototyping: Fabrication of testbed devices to explore spin transport, molecular qubits, and quantum coherence in hybrid systems.

Theory Collaboration: Close interaction with computational groups for electronic structure and quantum simulations.

Eligibility

We seek highly motivated candidates with a first-class degree in chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or physics. Experience in synthetic chemistry, 2D materials, or device physics is desirable but not essential; strong interest in interdisciplinary research is key.

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project and email to ashok.keerthi@manchester.ac.uk.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.