About the Project
The generation of transition-metal complexes that are low coordinate and of low-electron count, is a central concept in organometallic chemistry. They are important both in the synthesis of complexes that push at the boundaries of what is possible in synthesis, and catalysis – where the binding and activation of substrates requires vacant sites at the metal. However, the solvent used in homogeneous systems can play a non-innocent role, as it is in a vast excess, and blocks these vacant sites…
towards onward reactivity. Over the last decade the Weller group has been developing organometallic chemistry in single crystals, where solvent is avoided and a remarkably rich landscape of synthesis, reactivity and catalysis is revealed. We call this Solid-state Molecular OrganoMetallic chemistry (SMOM). As well as providing access to some remarkable complexes and reactivity,[1] these molecular organometallic single crystals are also actually very good heterogeneous catalysts for solid/gas reactivity. For example, they catalyse: the isomerisation of butenes in flow,[2] the surface polymerisation on single crystals,[3] the highly efficient hyperpolarisation of gases,[4] and tandem catalysis for efficient and potentially sustainable chemical manufacturing processes.[5]
In this 3.5 year funded PhD project you will develop and refine this new approach to molecular catalysis in the single-crytstalline phase, by exploiting well-defined high-surface area crystalline (or polycrystalline) SMOM catalysts for a variety of sustainable, catalytic processes. Here we will use the fact that the surface of a single-crystal contains active organometallic sites that are primed for catalysis. The project will involve innovative organometallic synthesis, catalysis (including developing gas-phase flow NMR) and kinetics/mechanism. As a PhD in the group, you will be fully supported as a member of the wider team working on SMOM in both synthesis and catalysis, as part of Weller’s PRECISION SMOM project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement 101198896). There is also an opportunity to collaborate extensively with our computational partners (Professor Stuart Macgregor, University of St Andrews), and interact with other collaborators in Europe and more widely, through travel to other laboratories.
The project will be well-suited for a PhD candidate who has interests in innovative organometallic chemistry and catalysis. Full training will be given in all aspects of the project (air-sensitive synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, kinetics and mechanism), and the project would best suit a graduate student who already has experience of synthetic organometallic chemistry as well as an appetite for transitioning and expanding their skill set to novel catalytic methods.
[1] J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2021, 143, 5106; J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2025, 147, 8706; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 63 2024, e202404264
[2] ACS Catal. 2020, 10, 1984
[3] Chem. Commun. 2020, 56, 4328
[4] J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 2629
[5] Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2025, 64, e202419923
If you have any questions, please email Professor Andrew Weller: andrew.weller@york.ac.uk
You will follow our core cohort-based training programme to support the development of scientific, transferable and employability skills, as well as training on specific techniques and equipment. Training includes employability and professionalism, graduate teaching assistant training and guidance on writing papers.
There will be opportunities for networking and sharing your work both within and beyond the University. Funding is provided to enable you to attend conferences and external training. The department also runs a varied and comprehensive seminar programme.
Equality and Diversity
The Department of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Gold Award and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students. The Department strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/ed
As part of our commitment to Equality and Diversity, and Widening Participation, we are working with the YCEDE project (https://ycede.ac.uk/) to improve the number of under-represented groups participating in doctoral study.
Entry requirements
You should hold or expect to achieve the equivalent of at least a UK upper second class degree in Chemistry or a relevant related subject.
For more information about the project, click on the supervisor's name above to email them.
For more information about the application process or funding, please click on email institution.
Guidance for applicants: https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/study/postgraduate-research/phd-mphil/
Submit an online PhD in Chemistry application: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/apply?course=DRPCHESCHE3
The start date of the PhD will be 20 September 2027
Funding Notes
This project is fully funded for 3.5 years by a European Research Council grant and includes: (i) a tax-free annual stipend (£21,805 in 2026-27), (ii) tuition fees at the home rate, (iii) funding for consumables/training/analytical facilities.
Overseas tuition fees may be available for for exceptionally competitive candidates.