Development of Perovskite-Based Solid Oxygen Carriers Towards Clean Air and Carbon Neutrality

The Industry and Innovation Research Institute (I2Ri) draws on talents, expertise and facilities across Sheffield Hallam University. The vision is to be the leading provider of applied research excellence delivering materials, computing, science and engineering innovations meeting the development needs of industry.

PhD Research Topic

A notable surge in zero- and low carbon energy technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), holds the potential to limit global warming to under 2°C compared to preindustrial levels. This exciting PhD venture focuses on advancing low carbon energy technologies and shaping the future of sustainable energy. Nestled within the vibrant Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI), this project promises an exhilarating journey for the selected candidate. You'll become an integral part of a dynamic research centre, surrounded by esteemed academics and cutting-edge facilities. What sets this opportunity apart is the strategic partnership with Newcastle University's esteemed Materials, Concepts, and Reaction Engineering group (MatCoRE). As a PhD student, you'll have the opportunity of frequent visits to Newcastle university, immersing yourself in their state-of-the-art facilities and tapping into their vast pool of expertise. It’s not just a project; it's a chance to be at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of sustainable energy.

This innovative project sets out to pioneer a range of materials designed to pave the way for cleaner air and more sustainable hydrogen generation. Through the advancement of Solid Oxygen Carriers (SOCs), our aim is to revolutionise the landscape of lower-carbon energy solutions. SOCs are advanced materials capable of efficiently releasing oxygen from their structures. This property enhances combustion efficiency, reduces pollutant emissions, and facilitates CCS in power plant facilities. Furthermore, SOCs can be used in specialised reactors for oxygen separation from atmospheric air, serving industrial processes such as hydrogen production and fuel cell operations. These functionalities collectively fall under the domain of chemical looping, in reference to the cyclic oxidation and reduction loops the material undergoes. Chemical looping is a relatively young, but highly promising technology that is still being explored at laboratory scale, and more recently at pilot scale with the Horizon 2020 CHEERS reactor. Among the materials explored, mixed metal oxide perovskites, notably strontium ferrite (SrFeO₃₋δ), have demonstrated promising attributes for chemical looping applications. The project aims to delve into the compositional modification of these perovskites, such as substituting crystal sites with elements like cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, manganese, titanium, and cobalt, to optimise their performance characteristics. To develop structure-phase-property relation for these materials, the candidate will utilise a diverse range of cutting-edge analytical and spectroscopic techniques (including X-ray fluorescence and diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, and electron microscopy) and will gain invaluable hands-on experience in material characterisation.

This project is strategically positioned with current and future demands of the industry. By developing SOCs and their validation for practical applications, the candidate will gain essential skills, knowledge and position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly growing field. The relevance of SOCs in addressing pressing global challenges, such as carbon capture and storage, underscores their importance in future energy technologies. As industries worldwide continue to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable practices, professionals with deep understanding of SOCs will be in high demand.

By engaging with cutting-edge research and networking with experts in the field, the candidate will forge valuable connections and lay the groundwork for a successful and impactful career trajectory, whether in academia or industry. Furthermore, participation in national and international conferences and public engagement activities will enhance the candidate’s visibility and credibility within the scientific community. In essence, this project offers immediate skill acquisition, research experience and career opportunities.

Eligibility

Applicants should hold a 1st or 2:1 Honours degree in a related discipline. A Master’s degree in a related area is desirable. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of age, pregnancy and maternity, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

International candidates are required to provide an IELTS certificate with a score of at least 6.5 overall, and a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For further information on English Language requirements, please click here.

For further details on entry requirements, please click here.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted using the online application form. To apply, click here. In your application, be sure to include the title of the project that you are applying for.

As part of your application, please upload:

• A research proposal (max. 1500 words) in your own words, briefly outlining the proposed research, the current knowledge and context referencing key background literature; a proposed methodology or approach to answer the key questions, and any potential significance or impact of the research
• Copy of your highest degree certificate
• Non-UK applicants must submit IELTs results (or equivalent) taken in the last two years and a copy of their passport.

Applicants must provide 2 references, with at least one to be academic. References must be received directly from the referees.

We strongly recommend you contact the lead academic, Alex Scrimshire a.scrimshire@shu.ac.uk, to discuss your application.

For information on how to apply please visit https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/degrees