Modelling exsolution: materials design for sustainable energy

One of the primary challenges for the global community is the supply of plentiful and affordable energy, moving the world away from dependence on fossil fuels by providing green alternatives. This presents many challenges but also opportunities. The creation of fuels from renewable sources, utilising green energy, requires efficient process routes powered by novel catalysts. The University of Strathclyde has expertise in the creation of such catalysts using exsolution. If we can fully understand and control exsolution, we can design better catalysts for crucial processes such green hydrogen generation and the creation of hydrocarbons from captured carbon dioxide. 

Exsolution creates novel catalysts from metal clusters embedded in an oxide matrix. The clusters nucleate and grow when the starting material (a random solution of metal ions in a host oxide matrix) is reduced. The dynamics of this process is challenging, since many physical and competing aspects are at play. However, mesoscale modelling can help unpick the dominant features of the process to provide deeper understanding and thus design better process routes to create tailored nano-scale catalysts. 

In this project, we will build on previous research to develop bespoke computational models and test these against a catalogue of experiment data available in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. The project is suited to students interested in computational modelling with real world applications, supervised by experienced scientists while collaborating with experimentalists and reaching out to industrial partners through conference presentations and journal publications. In this way, the student can expect to develop vital skills for a career in sustainable materials engineering. 

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects. 

Information about the host department can be found by visiting: 

www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering 

www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/ 

 The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks. 

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.