Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Routes to Nitrogen Fixation

Highly motivated and ambitious candidates are invited to apply for a funded PhD studentship in the Symes Group at the School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow (www.symeslab.com). The intended start date is September 2013, however later start dates may be considered. The work will include aspects of metal ligand coordination chemistry, electrochemistry, photochemistry and inorganic synthesis and characterisation. Candidates should hold (or expect to hold by the start date) a 1st or upper 2nd class MSc / MChem / BSc or equivalent in a relevant discipline (chemistry, materials, etc.), although detailed knowledge of specific techniques is not essential. Above all, candidates will be highly motivated and independently-minded, and should be able to demonstrate the ability to learn new skills in a research environment.

This research project aims to use electrodes to supply the energy required to reduce nitrogen to give ammonia and/or hydrazine. These products find wide use in the manufacture of fertilisers, explosives and plastics, and it is estimated that without manmade ammonia-based fertilisers, up to a third of the world’s population would starve. Currently, the only viable route to the large-scale production of ammonia is the Haber-Bosch cycle, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. However the process is inefficient, extremely energy-consuming and is a major contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions. Work in the 1970’s established that TiO2 exposed to sunlight in air generated small amounts of ammonia, and likewise ammonia has been detected by exposure of highly reduced solution species to nitrogen gas and the reaction of N2 and H2 in solid-state electrochemical cells. Currently, however, there exists no working device that can convert sunlight, air and water to ammonia, nor is there any cyclable system for ammonia production that uses only renewable feedstocks. In light of literature precedent, I believe that this is an area of research that will yield high impact science with very tangible real-world applications, and that in 5-10 years’ time this will be an area of (photo)electrochemistry that is as active as electrolytic water splitting is at the moment.

This research incorporates aspects from across chemistry, involving synthesis, characterisation and analysis. Opportunities will also be available for travel to national and international conferences to present research results. Interested candidates are urged to send a full CV and cover letter explaining why they wish to work in the Symes Group to [Email Address Removed].