PhD: Study of Novel Biofuels from Biomass - Methyl-Furans (MF)

The school of chemical engineering is seeking to recruit a PhD student as part of a newly awarded 1.2 M cross discipline EPSRC project. The project is in collaboration with the school of mechanical engineering, school of biosciences and the environmental health sciences group at the University of Birmingham and Fraunhofer UMSICHT Germany. The project aim is to investigate systematically a whole technological pathway for the production and use of Furanics in particular Methyl Furans (MF) and biofuels containing Methyl Furans as novel engine fuels via biomass conversion. The research will involve working with a new Thermo-Catalytic Reforming (TCR©) technology at pilot scale for the conversion of biomass into biofuels (up to 80 kg/h biomass throughput pilot plant). The process will be quantified in terms of mass and energy balances and the energy vectors produced will be fully characterised in terms of their fuel physical and chemical properties before subsequent engine testing.
In addition the project will also target the following specific research objectives:

•  To investigate the behaviours and combustion characteristics of MF (model based compounds) and bio oils containing Methyl Furans in engines using experimental and numerical approaches
•  To improve understanding of mechanisms for production of bio-oils containing MF starting with lignocellulosic biomass
•  To develop practical technology and process pathways for efficient production of biofuels containing MF
•  To investigate the impact of MF (MF-c) (including non-conventional emissions) involving health issues of users and CO2 footprint in the production and application of MF based biofuels

The successful candidate must hold a minimum upper second class degree in chemical engineering or related discipline. They should have excellent written and communication skills and confident in giving scientific presentations. The candidate should also possess a good background knowledge of thermal conversion technologies for the conversion of biomass into biofuels, including an understanding of mass and energy balances, P&IDs, HAZOPs and operating pilot plant reactors safely. The candidate must also be willing to travel to Germany occasionally to receive training on specialist reactor equipment.

Please contact Prof Andreas Hornung on andreas.hornung@umsicht.fraunhofer.de and attach your CV.

Funding Notes

The successful candidate will receive a fully funded fixed term stipend of (£14,057 per year tax free) financed by the school of chemical engineering for 3 years. In addition EU/Home students will receive all tuition fees paid. The successful candidate will receive a yearly travel allowance for further research training as well as a generous allowance for conference attendance. Upon the successful completion of a Thesis the candidate will receive a Ph.D. degree awarded by the School of Chemical Engineering with a strong possibility of further post-doctoral employment with the University.