Neutron Spectroscopy of Surface Intermediates on Nanoporous Metal Catalysts for H2 Storage Technologies

Application details
Reference number: SusHy/SK/2019
Start date of studentship: 1 October 2019
Closing date of advert: 29 July 2019
Interview date: 5 August 2019

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Simon Kondrat
Secondary supervisor: Prof Sandie Dann
ISIS supervisor: Dr Ian Silverwood

This PhD project brings together world-leading experts at ISIS neutron source and Loughborough University with the objective of understanding the chemical storage/release of hydrogen. This research will have real world impact towards a green, low carbon future and fighting climate change. You will develop skills in hydrogen technologies through use of STFC facilities and interaction with the Catalysis Hub community.

Loughborough University
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail
In the future, the availability of abundant low carbon hydrogen will be crucial for meeting the worlds’ energy needs, while reducing carbon emissions. As direct storage of hydrogen is difficult, alternative hydrogen carriers are required, such as liquid fuels or metal hydrides. The formation of the storage compounds, their decomposition to generate hydrogen and recycling back to the starting materials, requires metal heterogeneous catalysts. Yet, the mechanisms of these reactions are not understood, meaning developing the next generation of catalysts with better performance is unfocussed.

The unique interaction between neutrons and hydrogen provides a powerful tool to investigate the interaction between hydrogen carriers and inorganic catalysts. Using world leading neutron techniques, you will study processes occurring on Co and Cu catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation and the evolution of hydrogen from metal hydrides. Using this understanding, new catalysts, with a step change in performance, can be produced and used in future green hydrogen storage processes.

Your PhD will involve the production of catalysts, development of purpose-built flow cells and performing a range of neutron spectroscopy measurements. In addition, you will take part in studies around green hydrogen at the centre for doctoral training in sustainable hydrogen (120 credits of modules in your 1st year).

Find out more:
ISIS neutron source: https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/PhDStudentships2019.aspx
CDT for Sustainable Hydrogen: https://www.sustainablehydrogen-cdt.ac.uk/about-the-centre/about-the-centre.aspx
UK Catalysis Hub: https://ukcatalysishub.co.uk/studentships/

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or physics. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in catalysis or energy storage will be an advantage.

Contact details
Name: Dr Simon Kondrat
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 223388

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under program name, select Chemistry

Please quote reference number: SusHy/SK/2019.