N2 and CO2 Electrocatalysis using biomimentic metal supported materials

This is a unique and cutting-edge PhD research opportunity in the multidisciplinary field of materials chemistry and electro-catalysis for a student with a strong background in chemistry / electrochemistry interested in applying knowledge and developing innovative electro-catalysts for combined carbon dioxide/N₂ utilization. The use of bio-inspired systems holds promise for realizing the multi-electron reduction of carbon dioxide and N₂ to urea. The candidate will work towards the optimization of controlled electrode preparation via chemical vapour deposition as well as electro-catalytic testing. The detailed structural analysis of the synthesized materials will employ a variety of characterization techniques including synchrotron techniques. While the studentship will be based at the University of Salford, collaboration with the University of Manchester and the state-of-the-art facilities at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire are envisaged. The successful applicant should have a background in chemistry or electrochemistry and have practical knowledge of at least some of the following: CVD, electrochemical methodologies, materials characterization using spectroscopic techniques including data analysis.