Supervisory Team: Dr Peter Wells; Dr Lindsay-Marie Armstrong; Professor Andrea Russell
Project description
The International Maritime Organisation aims to decarbonise the shipping industry, with ambitious targets of 40% reduction in CO2 emission by 2030 (based on 2008 levels), moving to a 70% reduction by 2050. To achieve these ambitions, not only requires energy savings across all areas of the sector, but a move towards energy sources not based on carbon. The move towards a cleaner ‘hydrogen economy’ offers great promise, although it is not without its challenges.
Hydrogen gas has a low volumetric energy density and pressurised storage introduces its own unique challenges. To address this, there has been a focus to develop liquid ‘hydrogen carriers’ that can be reformed to generate hydrogen gas. Ammonia is seen as a promising hydrogen vector. However, the endothermic catalytic process of ammonia decomposition has typically required high temperatures (>600°C), which limits the efficiency of the technology. In this project we will look at innovative new routes for more efficient hydrogen generation approaches.
The successful applicant will receive first-hand experience and associated training in preparing controlled nanostructured, advanced characterisation techniques, catalytic testing, and the use of computational tools for modelling and enhancing operational performance. These tools provide an excellent foundation for applicants wishing to follow a career within the field of sustainable chemistry.
This multi-disciplinary project between the Schools of Chemistry and Engineering is a unique opportunity to be at the frontier of new developments in catalytic science and demonstrate how it can impact on future technologies; funding is for 3.5 years and requires applicants to have, or soon to obtain, at least an upper second class degree in Chemistry or relevant disciplines. Funding will cover fees and stipend at current research council rates.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Peter Wells, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 6826.
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in chemistry or allied subjects/relevant disciplines.
Closing date: applications should be received no later than 31 August 2023 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
Funding: For UK students, this 3.5 year studentship covers UK tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate, which is £17,668 for 2022-23.
Applicants must be UK residents with no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK and have lived here for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship. This residence cannot be mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
How To Apply
Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD Chemistry (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Peter Wells
Applications should include:
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]
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