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PhD Research Project: Hydrogen Purification via next generation mixed matrix membranes

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
May 5, 2017

Job Details

Details

H2 is a high quality and clean energy carrier. Currently, the majority of hydrogen is produced by steam-methane reforming followed by a water-gas shift reaction whilst biohydrogen production has also been increasing. Before hydrogen can be used in fuel cell, CO2 must be removed that resulted from production processes. Membrane separation is the most promising alternative compared to conventional separation technologies i.e. pressure swing adsorption because of low energy consumption. Although many inorganic membranes of zeolites, metal alloys and carbon molecular sieves have developed, the difficulty of scaling up limits their applications. Polymer membranes are useful whilst controlling permeability/selectivity in harsh conditions is challenging. Recently mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), where an inorganic material embedded into polymer matrix, have attracted more attention as they combine porous materials’ functionality with polymer processability. In this sense, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which comprised of metal ions connected by organic linkers, are the most promising ones due to their diverse and flexible structure. Therefore, this project will explore development of metal organic framework/polymer mixed matrix membranes with enhanced H2 selectivity and permeability to enable membrane based H2 purification.

The CDT in Fuel Cells and their Fuels

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in CDT Fuel Cell and their Fuels Centre is a collaboration coordinated by Birmingham University between 5 leading Universities. You would be joining a vibrant community of 40 PhD students across these Universities all investigating different aspects of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and their applications. Many of the projects available are in close collaboration with industry.

The Centre runs a 4 year PhD programme which has a structured taught element through the first 18 months developing your understanding of the science, engineering and socio-economic issues related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, as well as developing transferrable skills sought by employees (e.g. communication skills, project management, innovation business skills). There are a number of group and individual activities, including a one week summer school in Greece, public dissemination events, short industry secondment in addition to presenting at national and international conferences which all help to develop key skills and expertise.

The PhD position is available from 1 Sept 2017 and fully cover both tuition fees and a student stipend (£14,600 per annum for 2017/18 academic year).

Funding Notes

UK/EU students. We are seeking a bright, highly motivated individual who has or is predicted to be awarded a first class or high 2(i) undergraduate honours

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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