Reaction- and Interaction-Enabled Nanoparticles – a PhD in Synthetic Supramolecular Chemistry, Nanochemistry and Nanomaterials

About the Project

Overall, our research seeks to answer two questions. Can we create nanoscale building blocks that can be modified, combined and manipulated with the same rational selectivity that we take for granted when working with molecular building blocks? And how are the fundamental chemical processes of covalent reactions and noncovalent interactions modified when confined to nanoscale structures?

In addressing these questions, we seek to uncover fundamental insights that apply to understanding how biology achieves such remarkable feats by using nanometer-sized chemical components (biomolecules) and to develop tools that help us to better harness the remarkable physical properties of nanomaterials in future man-made technologies.

Current projects focus on one of more of the following. (1) Developing the design and preparation of reaction-enabled ‘dynamic covalent nanoparticles’ and understanding how covalent reactivity on nanoscale scaffolds differs to molecular length-scale counterparts. (2) Exploiting reaction- and recognition-enabled nanoparticles to construct novel hybrid materials that combine the properties of several nanoparticle types and where selective molecular length-scale interactions control structure on several length-scales. (3) Exploiting reaction- and recognition-enabled nanoparticles within chemically-instructed reaction networks to produce nanoscale systems that display life-like properties such as replication and autonomous switching.

This multi-disciplinary area provides training in synthetic and analytical methods, working with molecular, supramolecular and nanoparticle structures. You will gain hands-on experience with a range of techniques, including NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). You will become experienced in “physical–organic” methods for assessing reaction rates and interaction strengths, together with appropriate data analysis approaches. There will be opportunities to apply computational methods for simulating molecular and nanoscale structures, their interactions and reaction network kinetics. A PhD in this area will develop your team-working, written and oral communication skills, making excellent preparation for a career in academia or industry. Group members are expected to present their published work at national and international conferences and funding is available to support this.

The Kay Group occupy modern (refurbished 2020) synthetic chemistry facilities in the School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, with access to world-class resources in each of the above techniques. For more information about the group and our research, please see our webpage: https://kaylab.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/

Candidates interested in undertaking a PhD in the Kay group should register their interest as soon as possible. Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Euan Kay (ek28@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Please see this website for the application procedure, or email chem-pg@st-andrews.ac.uk for more information regarding PhD opportunities at St Andrews. We encourage applications for the NextGenTech Centre for Doctoral Training (View Website) and from Chinese nationals through the St Andrews CSC Scheme (View Website). There are opportunities for self-funded PhD students to make use of the St Andrews Handsel Scheme to fund the difference between home and international fees.

Funding Notes

Funding for worldwide, EU or UK students is available on a competition basis. Self-funded students are also encouraged to apply and make use of the St Andrews Handsel scheme to fund the difference between home and international fees.