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PhD Studentship: Thin film coatings of novel alloy membranes for hydrogen purification

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Mar 1, 2018

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Job Details

Details

The majority of global H2 production is derived from hydrocarbon-based fuels, and efficient and pure H2/CO2 separation is key. Hydrogen-selective alloy membranes are a viable alternative to pressure swing absorption processes as a means for H2/CO2 separation. Membranes based on Pd alloys are available but the high cost of Pd (£ ~25,000 kg-1), is driving the development of less-expensive alternatives, such as inexpensive amorphous (Ni60Nb40)100-xZrx alloys. Amorphous alloy membranes can be fabricated directly from the molten state into continuous ribbons via melt spinning, and depending on the composition, can exhibit relatively high hydrogen permeability between 473 and 673 K. This project will look at physical vapour deposition methods such as magnetron sputtering to develop novel cost effective membranes. Such coatings will involve a step change in approach being directly deposited by PVD, new compositions both amorphous and crystalline and the potential to deposit multilayers through our unique equipment. These new alloys coatings will be investigated with respect to permeation behavior, electrical transport properties, and understanding of local atomic order. As part of the PhD the student will collaborate with a number of partners worldwide through our membership if the IEA-HIA Task 32 grouping in Hydrogen storage systems and also utilize central neutron and synchrotron facilities in UK and USA.

 

Funding Notes

The PhD position is available from 1 Sept 2018 (earlier start dates will be considered). The studentship covers both tuition fees and student stipend (£14,600 per annum for 2018/19 academic year. A top-up of £2,000 will be provided for an exceptional candidate). The student will also be part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fuel Cells and their Fuels. UK/EU students. We are seeking an innovative, highly motivated individual who has or is predicted to be awarded a first class or high 2(i) undergraduate honours degree or a second class honours degree plus a distinction at Master’s level.

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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