Realising upconversion luminescence in supramolecular [d-f] complexes

About the project

Do you want to help develop the next generation of medical imaging diagnostics? This PhD project will explore new light-emitting compounds for advanced bioimaging applications. By combining lanthanide and transition-metal complexes, you will develop supramolecular systems capable of converting low-energy light into higher-energy emission, known as upconversion.

Upconversion luminescence is a process in which two low-energy near-infrared photons are combined to produce a single higher-energy photon. Because near-infrared light can travel deeper into biological tissue, UC offers exciting opportunities for high-contrast imaging with reduced background interference.

You will design, synthesise, and study new supramolecular systems capable of efficient upconversion, helping to advance the next generation of medical imaging technologies.

The project aims will utilise molecular and supramolecular [d-f] heteropolynuclear assemblies, through the use of transition-metal complexes (e.g. RuII, IrIII), in combination with lanthanide complexes (e.g. YbIII, NdIII). This will include multistep organic synthesis and coordination chemistry of the proposed ligands and complexes, and in-depth photophysical characterisation by investigating fundamental energy-transfer processes via luminescence spectroscopy.

This multidisciplinary project combines inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and photophysics, providing training in molecular synthesis, spectroscopy, and advanced optical characterisation techniques. The research has the potential to contribute to new imaging approaches that could improve healthcare outcomes and quality of life.

You will acquire proficiency in synthetic chemistry, coordination chemistry, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. You will have full access to a suite of techniques via state-of-the-art facilities including Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy facility , IR, HPLC and Mass-Spectrometry , in addition to world-leading X-ray diffraction facilities.

You will also participate in group-meetings, school seminars and represent the group at conferences. This will give you the opportunity to disseminate your research results with world-leaders in the area. The University of Southampton will give professional training and transferable skills through the PGR Development Hub which provides a suite of training courses and support services which promotes well-being and employability.

The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Dr Richard Knighton MChem DPhil FHEA

• Inorganic luminescence
• Homogeneous catalysis
• Upconversion spectroscopy

Supervisors

• Supervisors: DB Dr Darren Bradshaw Associate Professor

Dr Darren Bradshaw

• Dr Darren Bradshaw: Associate Professor

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree) or its international equivalent .

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages .

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

Applications should include:

• choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Chemistry (7189)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr Richard Knighton (R.C.Knighton@soton.ac.uk).

Research areas