The research interests of the Mills group are wide and varied including: dye and semiconductor photochemistry, redox catalysis (in particular, oxygen catalysis), solar energy conversion (in particular artificial photosynthesis) and colour and fluorescence based indicators and smart inks and plastic films.
The paper entitled ‘Smart, reusable labels for assessing self-cleaning films‘, has been selected to feature as the front cover article for Chemical Communications Issue 20, 2015. The paper describes a simple test for detecting the presence, and assessing the activity, of semiconductor photocatalyst thing films using an adhesive indicator
Supervisor: Prof. A Mills; Second supervisor: Prof. Hardacre
Start date: 1st Oct 2015; duration: 3 years; qualifying candidates: UK citizens with a 1st class degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering by 1st October 2015.
Semiconductor photocatalysis is emerging as a significant new photochemical process for creating innovative commercial products, such as: self-cleaning glass, concrete and tiles. However, to date attention has been restricted to ambient temperature applications of the technology and in this project we explore its application at elevated temperatures. In particular, we will use semiconductor photocatalysis to mediate gas phase reactions of commercial significance, at lower temperatures than the conventional thermal catalytic reactions. These reaction will include: alcohol reforming, steam reforming, the water-gas shift reaction and environmental air clean-up reactions, such as NOx and ozone removal. The PhD candidate will receive training not only in thermal catalysis but also photocatalysis, using a variety of techniques including: DRIFTS-MS, BET, SEM, TEM and laser-driven, time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. This research area is very new and so open to many new discoveries and challenges; thus, the project is only really suitable for a highly motivated candidate seeking a project with adventure and panache.
Interested in applying? Send CV to: andrew.mills@qub.ac.uk
Professor Andrew Mills is now hiring a PDRA for a 1 year contract working with semiconductor photocatalytic materials. Applicants can apply via the following link:
PDRA Position
