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Nano-assemblies of cyclodextrin complexes at oil-water interfaces as sustainable alternatives to surfactants

This PhD research project aims to investigate the formation and structural characteristics of interfacial films created by cyclodextrin-oil complexes and to correlate these properties with the stability of emulsions. The central hypothesis is that cyclodextrins (CDs) can form robust, structured interfacial films via host-guest interactions with targeted hydrophobic molecules in the oil phase, which can provide a versatile method to build strong interfacial films for a very broad range of oil mixtures. The research will employ advanced experimental techniques including interfacial rheology, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), cryogenic electron microscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to characterize the interfacial films. Emulsion stability will be assessed under varying conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature to simulate real-world applications. This research will contribute to the fundamental understanding of cyclodextrin-mediated interfacial phenomena and offer insights into designing novel, biocompatible emulsifiers for applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Synthesis and Optimisation of Stimuli Responsive Metal-Organic Frameworks in Flow

This PhD studentship focuses on developing microwave flow reactor platforms for the discovery, optimisation, and scale-up of stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with new structures and particle characteristics. Metal-organic frameworks are porous coordination polymers with great potential for applications in energy, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. The project will investigate MOF self-assembly processes and structure-property relationships using advanced characterisation techniques including X-ray and electron diffraction, electron microscopy, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies, and gas sorption. The research will be conducted in the School of Chemistry and Institute of Process Research and Development at the University of Leeds, under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Laybourn and Dr. Chris Pask. The successful candidate will join a group of over 65 scientists and engineers with world-leading expertise in closed-loop manufacturing processes, machine-learning and online analytics, supported by state-of-the-art equipment in the Bragg Centre for Materials Research. This project combines flow and materials chemistry, characterisation, and reaction optimisation, offering training in synthetic coordination chemistry, advanced characterisation techniques, machine learning and operation of flow chemistry platforms.

Tailoring Novel Behaviours in Liquid Crystal Elastomers Through Design

This PhD project explores designing and engineering novel behaviours and responses into liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), from understanding their fundamental molecular organisation to creating functional materials with applications towards advanced technologies. Liquid crystal elastomers are an exciting class of soft materials that combine the orientational order of liquid crystals with the elasticity of polymers, giving rise to remarkable properties such as mechanical anisotropy, programmable shape change, auxeticity, and stimuli-responsive behaviour. There will be a particular focus on patterning of the liquid crystal elastomer surface or bulk to elicit a desired response relevant to an application. Potential applications include next-generation metamaterials, optical devices, and energy solutions. Using a combination of experimental approaches, including optical microscopy, profilometry, X-ray scattering, mechanical testing and spectroscopy, students will investigate how molecular structure and processing routes control material parameters. The project provides training relevant for a career in soft matter physics and materials science with opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated student with a background in physics, engineering, materials science, or a related discipline, who is keen to develop experimental skills while contributing to cutting-edge research in soft advanced materials.