PhD Studentship - Probing Multifunctional Catalysts for the Preferential Adsorption and Utilisation

PhD Studentship – Probing Multifunctional Catalysts for the Preferential Adsorption and Utilisation of CO2 through Neutron Scattering

PhD Supervisor: Dr Robert Raja                             

co supervisor: Dr Stewart Parker (STFC)

Interviews will be held in: July 2016

PhD Description:  This multidisciplinary research project will develop state-of-the-art catalytic technology, capable of recycling CO₂directly into renewable synthetic fuels, at the cutting-edge of carbon-capture and utilisation research.  Solid-state chemistry principles will be applied for the rational design of functionalised porous catalytic architectures, which will serve as the loci for the simultaneous adsorption of CO₂, and in situ generation of H₂via photocatalytic splitting of water.  Advantageously, the design methodology will use a synergistic approach to enable the direct thermochemical dissociation of CO₂and H₂O using novel hierarchical catalysts, while simultaneously exploring the photocatalytic generation of H₂, to enhance the catalytic synergy. From an industrial perspective, the captured/stored CO₂can be converted to CO (reverse water-gas shift) and coupled with H₂from water-splitting processes, to yield renewable high-value fuels for aviation and marine applications.

Innovative neutron scattering studies will significantly complement cutting-edge catalysis research and this will provide detailed structural and spectroscopic information at the atomic levelfor establishing reaction mechanisms relating to CO₂capture, storage and utilisation.  Multi-scale experimental design coupled with advanced structural and spectroscopic investigation, will not only demonstrate the scientific basis for direct capture and utilisation of CO₂, but will facilitate a wider technical development program for operando studies in neutron scattering.  Establishment of improved power plants, capable of directly converting CO₂emissions and flue gases into renewable fuels and valuable chemical commodities, would lead to significant cost reductions (compared to just CO₂capture) and technological benefits.  With the impact of increased CO₂levels on the environment, renewable fuel generation through CO₂utilisation would significantly contribute to reducing climate-change related consequences. 

The project is funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from the UK who have or expect to shortly obtain at least an upper (2:1) second-class degree in Chemistry or allied subjects. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ 14,296 per annum.

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants

Applications for an MPhil/PhD in Chemistry should be submitted online at

https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4990&majr=4990&term=201617#_ga=1.28790015.2120898106.1412059827

 Please place Dr Raja’s name in the field for proposed supervisor. 

 Please contact Dr Robert Raja for general enquiries at R.Raja@soton.ac.uk.  Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk

 Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.