Overview

Research

Key themes of our Chemistry and Materials research at The Open University UK include:

Catalysis research, focusing on the synthesis and characterisation of bimetallic catalysts for fuel cells and catalytic converters. We also have interests in characterising porous materials and surfaces.
Green chemistry and resource efficiency research, focusing on recovery of high value chemicals from waste and biomass.
Nanomaterials and nanocomposites, focusing on novel materials and their applications in for example nanosensors, photovoltaics, catalysis, energy harvesting and storage.
Organosilicon research, focusing on new materials and coatings based on silsesquioxanes, biomimetic organosilicon chemistry, the development of novel HPLC phases and the mechanism of substitution at silicon.
Polymer processing and structure development research, focusing on understanding and predicting the effects of molecular variables during polymer processing.
Supramolecular chemistry research, including luminescent sensors and probes, photoactive molecular devices, and new calixarene motifs and applications.
Experimental evaluation of quantum chemical models that describe the physico-chemical properties of molecules/materials.

Programme Structure

Current/recent research projects:

Development and analysis of recognition polymers
Lanthanide complexes as incorporated luminescent detectors
Understanding and improving reactivity of low platinum group metal three-way catalysts
Supported catalysts for the recovery of valuable chemicals from wastes
Synthesis, and Application of Nanoparticles using Calixarenes
Electron Spectroscopy Measurements of Functionalised DNA Components for Radiotherapy
Molecular modelling and biological relevance of supramolecular structures in nucleic acids
Sustainable plastics including new packaging materials, environmental impact of plastics and recycling waste plastics
Recovery of chemicals from wastes such as metals
Heritage Science involving the cleaning of museum textiles and the conservation of plastic works of art

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Materials Science Chemistry View 62 other PhDs in Chemistry in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

87

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16420 GBP / year

≈ 16420 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Living costs

Milton Keynes

United Kingdom

848 - 1345 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

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