EPS2021/24: Design of multifunctional Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)-based materials for carbon capture and photocatalytic conversion

Heriot-Watt University has now created scholarship opportunities in the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences for 2021-22. 

Requirements

All applicants must have or expect to have a 1st class MChem, MPhys, MSci, MEng or equivalent degree by Autumn 2021. Selection will be based on academic excellence and research potential, and all short-listed applicants will be interviewed (in person or via Microsoft Teams). Most of these scholarships are only open to UK/EU applicants and for

students who meet residency requirements set out by EPSRC

https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/guidance-on-epsrc-studentships/eligibility/  For some projects, applications may be accepted for exceptional overseas applicants.

The project aims to design novel multifunctional materials that can capture carbon and convert it to a valuable chemical or fuel. The application of MOFs for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction has been largely unexplored so far and has emerged recently as a means of addressing global energy demands and contributing to reduce current CO₂ emissions. Recent work demonstrate that MOF-based materials hold great promise for applications in the field of CO₂ capture and conversion applications, namely for CO₂ photoreduction to fuels and chemicals. However, to address current challenges in using MOFs in photocatalytic systems, extensive research needs to be conducted. This project will investigate the photocatalytic mechanism of CO₂ reduction over MOF-based materials and establish a correlation between composition-structure-performance of MOFs than can ultimately lead to the rational design and development of stable MOFs with the optimum characteristics for CO₂ capture and conversion applications. The performance of the MOF-based materials will be further optimised through the use of novel photoreactor designs currently available at our group. This project will be conducted at the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (https://rccs.hw.ac.uk), an interdisciplinary world leading engineering centre, inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to meet necessary carbon targets.

How to Apply

1. Important Information before you Apply

When applying through the Heriot-Watt on-line system please ensure you provide the following information:

(a) in ‘Study Option’

You will need to select ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Postgraduate Research’. ‘Programme’ presents you with a drop-down menu. Choose Chemistry PhD, Physics PhD, Chemical Engineering PhD, Mechanical Engineering PhD, Bio-science & Bio-Engineering PhD or Electrical PhD as appropriate and select September 2020 for study option (this can be updated at a later date if required)

(b) in ‘Research Project Information’

You will be provided with a free text box for details of your research project. Enter Title and Reference number of the project for which you are applying and also enter the potential supervisor’s name.

This information will greatly assist us in tracking your application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application, it will not be considered until you have uploaded your CV and transcripts.

2. Applications

Applications must be made through the Heriot-Watt on-line

application system, https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/apply/uk/postgraduate.htm

3. Closing Date

All applications must be received by Sunday 14th February 2021. All successful candidates will usually be expected to commence their studies in September/October 2021.