PhD studies in Carbon Capture and Storage: Mixed matrix membranes for post combustion carbon capture

Applications are invited for a postgraduate research position leading to a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering in the Institute for Material and Processes within the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. You would study within a group with a worldwide reputation in CO2 capture from power station and industrial facilities, and within the Scottish CCS centre (www.sccs.org.uk/), the UK’s leading multidisciplinary CCS centre for Carbon Capture and Storage. This PhD programme is co-funded by an Industrial CASE award from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council and by Johnson Matthey PLC, a global speciality chemicals company, leader in sustainable technologies.

Throughout the next 3 ½ years of your PhD programme you will spend at least three months at Johnson Matthey ‘s facilities, and will benefit from multiple contacts with industrial sponsors from the Edinburgh-based Scottish CCS Centre and also become a member of the UK CCS Community Network (www.ukccsc.co.uk), a collective coordinated from the University of Edinburgh of over 250 engineering, technological, natural, environmental, social and economic academic members with CCS interests.

About the project
Membrane processes have been proposed for post-combustion CO2 capture applications for their modularity and potential low cost. The deployment of this technology is hindered by the lack of selectivity of the available polymeric materials and the complex handling of inorganic membranes. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are polymeric membranes with solids embedded in them homogeneously dispersed; they combine the advantages of high separation capabilities of the inorganic particles and the desirable mechanical properties and economical processing capabilities of polymers. MMMs have shown promising results towards improved selectivity that would facilitate the deployment of membrane separation processes on a large scale.
The project is focused on the development of novel polymeric membranes with homogeneously dispersed sorbents embedded inside to achieve higher selectivities for post combustion separation of CO2 from flue gases. The experimental work will be accompanied by a modelling effort in order to describe and understand the complex transport of gases inside the composite material.
The ideal candidate will have a background in chemical engineering, or any other relevant engineering or science discipline. A first class honours or upper second (or equivalent for non-UK students) is the minimum qualification requirement, or a combination of qualification and professional experience equivalent to that level. Independent work, self-motivation, good team spirit and excellent communication skills are important assets of the successful candidate.