The University of Bath Institute for Sustainability is inviting applications for the following PhD project which is part of a joint PhD programme between the University of Bath and Monash University in Australia.
Home institution: University of Bath
Supervisor(s) at Bath: Dr Simon Freakley, Prof Frank Marken
Supervisor(s) at Monash: Dr Cameron Bentley, Prof Stefan Maier
The catalytic conversion of sustainable molecules into value added chemicals is a key enabling technology in the transition to a sustainable chemical sector. Catalytic materials based on nanoparticles (NPs) of Cu, Ag and Au (5 – 50 nm) have been widely deployed in selective reduction and oxidation processes, however, often require harsh conditions (high temperature / pressure) to pre-activate the catalysts or to perform the reactions of interest.
Cu, Ag and Au NPs show strong light absorption by surface plasmon resonance, allowing energy to be deposited directly into the catalytic sites using visible light – rather than thermal conduction through large solvent volumes from heated reactor walls. When plasmons decay in metal nanostructures, highly energetic electron/hole pairs are generated, with Fermi temperatures on the order of thousands of Kelvin. A few picoseconds later, this energy has equilibrated with the lattice, raising the local temperature in the particle. Both of these processes — hot charge carriers and raised temperatures — show great promise in overcoming activation barriers for catalysis.1 The project will look to develop plasmonic catalysts that can release H2 from bio-derived molecules through acceptorless dehydrogenation reactions which are highly endothermic and therefore require elevated temperatures.2 Our aim is to reduce the thermal energy used to heat large reaction volumes and to develop the relationship between light absorption/catalytic structure/performance.
We will investigate these plasmonic photocatalytic processes via a comprehensive PhD project involving materials synthesis and reactivity evaluation (Freakley, Marken – Bath ), electromagnetic modelling and nano-optical and redox activity mapping of plasmonic nanostructures (Maier, Bentley - Monash). In Monash we will employ the recently established high-resolution scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) platform to probe the redox activity of individual nanostructures immobilized onto supporting electrodes. Information from SECCM will then be related to NP structure and properties, obtained from co-located microscopy/spectroscopy facilities, allowing the underlying structure−property relationships to be established.
This PhD studentship has the opportunity to collaborate with the EPSRC Catalytic Plasmonics Programme (www.cplas.org) with groups in this space at Monash University.
Project keywords: applied chemistry, environmental chemistry, industrial chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, energy technologies, chemical physics, optical physics
To apply:
We invite applications from Science and Engineering graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree and have a strong interest in Sustainable & Circular Technologies.
You must express an interest in three projects in order of preference. See the website for more information.
Please submit your application to the Home institution of your preferred project. You should note, however, that you are applying for a joint PhD programme and applications will be processed as such.
If this is your preferred project, apply using the relevant Bath online application form.
Please quote ‘Bath Monash PhD studentship’ in the Finance section and the lead supervisor(s)’ name(s) and project title(s) in the ‘Your research interests’ section. More information on applying to Bath may be found here.
If the Home institution of your preferred project is Monash, apply here.
Enquiries about the application process should be sent to [Email Address Removed].
Studentship eligibility
Funding for Bath-based projects, such as the one advertised here, is available to candidates who qualify for Home fee status only. In determining Home student status, we follow the UK government’s fee regulations and guidance from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Further information may also be found within the university’s fee status guidance.
EU/EEA citizens who live outside the UK are unlikely to be eligible for Home fees and funding.
Funding for Monash-based projects is available to candidates of any nationality.
Please see the website for a full list of available projects.
Continue with Facebook
