PhD Studentship in Artificial Photosynthesis

Design and optimisation of molecular interface for efficient electron transfer within photosystem I-based photovoltaic devices

Artificial photosynthesis offers a promising approach to tackle the grand challenge for sustainable future of our civilisation by means of supplying carbon-neutral renewable solar fuels, such as hydrogen, by conversion of practically unlimited and inexhaustible solar energy, using water as the sole electron source. Of all the artificial photosynthesis approaches biophotovoltaics provides an attractive alternative to the classical photovoltaics, as it utilizes non-toxic photochemically active components which are capable of self assembly and self-renewing, and which have been optimized for over 3.5 billion years of evolution for efficient solar energy conversion. Nevertheless, it is essential to develop the new approaches for rational design of highly efficient and viable photosynthetic devices utilizing the recently developed and characterized synthetic and biological photoconverting materials, as well as devise their highly organized architectures for much more efficient power conversion compared to the present-day technologies. Thus, synthesis and nanostructuring of a novel, well-organised universal chemical platform for oriented immobilization of photoactive protein modules is highly desirable.

Previous fundamental studies on the relationship between the structure of molecular wires and charge transport efficiency prompted us to hypothesise that the application of short and highly-conjugated molecular wires between individual redox centres is likely to increase the electron transfer efficiency between the working modules of the biophotoelectrode. This project sets out to verify this hypothesis by synthesizing a novel class of coordination molecular wires formed from highly conjugated terpyridine ligand-based complexes of transition metals. These compounds will be then self-assembled within well-defined nanoarchitectures on two types of conductive electrodes composed of atomically flat gold or transparent ITO/FTO conductive materials. Such a self-assembled highly conjugated conductive molecular wire monolayer will provide a structural and electronic interface for oriented and uniform immobilization of the robust and highly active light harvesting/charge separating complex of photosystem I. Thus, it is envisaged that a novel class of biophotoelectrodes with significantly improved electron transfer efficiency will be generated.

It is anticipated that such a rigorous multilevel interdisciplinary approach will lead to the development of a universal chemical platform for interfacing various (bio)molecular constructs requiring a well-defined architecture as well as efficient charge transfer between (photo)redox-active proteins and various types of electrode materials.

Requirements:

A recent first-class graduate with a strong degree in any relevant subject related to biology, biochemistry or biotechnology. The PhD student will be directly supervised by the PI and will work on purification and modification of the protein components of the photoelectrodes, as well their oriented immobilisation on various substrates and chronoamperometric assessment of the electrodes obtained in this study.

We offer:

Highly interdisciplinary laboratory with with an excellent mix of organic synthesis, electrochemical and biochemical expertise. The project will be conducted in collaboration with leading experts in the field using world-class imaging and electrochemical equipment.

How to apply?

• An MSc certificate or equivalent in biochemistry, molecular biology, plant physiology, biophysics, materials engineering or a related field,
• A transcript from the last completed cycle of studies (with a cumulative average grade),
• A list of publications and conference abstracts (if applicable).

 Informal enquiries are welcome. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 25 January 2019. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be scheduled for the week beginning on 28 January 2019.