Status: Closed
Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023
About this scholarship
Crystallisation is a process to control solids formation that is important in many fields, e.g. pharmaceutical manufacturers. It occurs through different sub-processes such as nucleation, growth and aggregation or attrition. This project will explore how crystallisation processes change when undertaken in unusual conditions such as in solvents that are not water, at non-miscible liquid interfaces and when an electrochemical potential is applied. A range of experimental approaches will be used to investigate the impact that solvent and applied potential have on crystallisation sub-processes in order to understand their impact.
While barium sulfate will be studied initially, as a model mineral to investigate, this will be extended to other sulfates or to other mineral solids. Solvents of varying dielectric constant and miscibility with water will be chosen to determine the most important properties. In addition, the impact when water is present and at different levels will be explored. The project will expand into understanding how application of a potential can be used to control the crystallisation processes with a view to halting and even re-starting crystallisation. In all cases, there is scope to adjust this project according to the student’s interests. The student will be trained in crystallisation methods and in the many techniques used to characterise solid materials, e.g. electron microscopy and XRD.
This project aims to understand crystallisation processes at soft interfaces. This will involves understanding
i) how nucleation, growth and aggregative processes change as miscibility with water changes
ii) how applying a potential across the interface impacts these processes
iii) how the addition of additives to either liquid phase impacts these processes
As the aim of this project is to understand crystallisation processes at soft interfaces the objectives of this project are to determine:
i) how nucleation rate and/or form (2D versus 3D) change with interfacial composition
ii) how crystallisation processes alter when water is added to miscible and non-miscible systems
iii) how crystallisation processes can be controlled using an applied potential
The outcomes of this project are expected to be significant to those fields that involve mineralisation or crystallisation processes, particularly those which occur at soft interfaces. This approach of electrochemical control is also being developed in order to investigate interfacial crystallisation processes critical in pathological biomineralization processes common in humans. As such, this study will be of critical importance to understanding these processes in greater detail with possible future health benefits.
Internship opportunities may be available. An internship opportunity will be sought in minerals related industries where the student can obtain skills/knowledge in industrial settings.
- Future Students
-
Faculty of Science & Engineering
- Science courses
- Higher Degree by Research
- Australian Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident
- New Zealand Citizen
- Permanent Humanitarian Visa
- Merit Based
The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.
Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6-month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023.
For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Scholarship Details
1
All applicable HDR courses
We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. Candidates with a background in chemistry (or related discipline) having strong quantitative skills, including familiarity with materials characterisation or electrochemical/electronic properties will be preferred. Candidate must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin.
Application process
If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. ahead of the closing date. Please note you should apply as soon as possible, as once a suitable candidate has been identified this opportunity will no longer be available to receive an EOI.
Enrolment Requirements
Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.
Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 months of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.
Enquiries
To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead Franca Jones via the EOI form above.
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