PhD Studentship: Hydrogen purification via next generation MOF-polymer mixed matric membranes

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 bio-hydrogen 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 to enable membrane based H2 purification.

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 a bright, 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.