Studying disordered materials by 3D electron diffraction

Structural disorder in materials can be an important method of understanding their properties for a wide range of applications. However detecting and modelling disorder at the nanoscale can be a difficult undertaking. Imaging disordered materials (using atomic resolution electron microscopy) has difficulties in sample preparation and stability, While ensemble methods (such as X-ray diffraction) isn’t capable of resolving the behaviour in individual nanoscale objects. 3D electron diffraction is a method that bridges these regimes, allowing individual particles or grains to be analysed with the full sensitivity and resolution of a focussed electron beam.

The aim of this is to better understand disorder in a range of functional materials. The project will draw in a variety of possible research areas from battery materials, where charge-discharge cycling can lead to structural disorder, through to irradiated materials for reactor technologies, where the energy of implanted ions can lead to considerable atomic displacements.

In the project the candidate will design experimental methods to perform these experiments (including developing code for automated electron diffraction experiments) as well as utilising and developing innovative approaches for data processing and modelling. Experience in these areas is useful but the most important consideration is enthusiammsm to tackle an interesting problem in materials characterisation.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

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(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

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

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
• 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)
• 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.
• 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.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).