This PhD project at the University of Liverpool offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer the emerging field of chemospintronics, where spintronic materials are used to break traditional scaling relationships in catalysis. As a researcher, you will investigate how spin-polarised magnetic multilayers can unlock new catalytic reactivity, moving beyond the conventional limits imposed by interrelated binding energies of surface intermediates. The project leverages advanced vibrational spectroscopies—including Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), Infrared (IR), and Sum-Frequency Generation (SFG)—to probe reaction pathways in real time and uncover the mechanisms by which spin effects alter catalytic activity.

Scaling relationships in catalysis typically restrict the optimization of catalyst structures, resulting in an upper limit of achievable activity. Recent studies have shown that ferromagnetic electrodes can dramatically enhance electrocatalytic reactions such as hydrogen and oxygen evolution, attributed to spin-polarized surfaces selectively stabilizing or destabilizing reaction species. Building on this, the group at Liverpool has demonstrated that non-magnetic catalysts grown on multilayer magnetic structures can also achieve significant activity changes, likely due to induced spin-polarization in the catalytic layer. This chemospintronic approach has the potential to transform catalyst design across photo-, thermal-, and electrocatalysis, enabling the creation of materials with activities far exceeding current benchmarks.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team spanning the Departments of Chemistry and Physics, as well as the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy. The University of Liverpool is renowned for its expertise in in-situ spectroscopies and advanced materials studies, providing access to world-class facilities and collaborative opportunities. You will conduct detailed mechanistic studies using state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques to directly evidence, for the first time, the breaking of scaling relationships when magnetic layers are incorporated into catalytic systems.

This project is ideal for highly motivated students eager to work at the intersection of electrocatalysis, vibrational spectroscopy, and thin-film magnetic materials. The research environment is inclusive and supportive, with adaptations available for students with disabilities or caring responsibilities. The UKRI funded Studentship covers full tuition fees and a generous maintenance grant for 3.5 years, with additional support for research training, consumables, and conference attendance. UKRI Studentships are open to both home and international applicants, and outstanding international students may be eligible for scholarships to cover fee differences.

To apply, complete the University of Liverpool online postgraduate research application form, ensuring you include the project title and reference number CCPR178. Informal enquiries are welcome via email to Professor A Cowan. For further details, consult the 'How to apply for a PhD' guide and explore the references provided for recent advances in the field.

References:
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2026, 148, 1, 967–975
Nature Catalysis, 2019, 2, 971–976
Nature Catalysis, 2018, 1, 952-959

For more information and to apply, visit University of Liverpool Postgraduate Research or the FindAPhD listing.