The increase of anthropogenic CO2 emissions from the utilization and conversion of fossil fuel has been a global concern as it led to unintended consequences on global warming and climate change. The increase of CO2 emissions throughout the last 3 decades with a current CO2 emission above 30 Gt a–1. According to the International Energy Agency, CO2 emissions should be below 15 Gt a–1 to bound the earth's surface temperature rise within 2 OC by 2050. UK has set ambitious new emissions target to net zero by 2050. Different approaches have been proposed for CO2 reduction including strategies to improve energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy sources, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Among them, CO2 utilization into value-added chemicals is one of the great potentials to achieve sustainable economic development. As a result, it becomes the focus of numerous research areas that target reducing industrial carbon footprint and natural resource depletion.
In this project, we will develop a novel hybrid mathematical modelling approach and simulation-based optimisation algorithm for synthesis and design of industrial CO2 utilisation processes from oil refineries, power plants and iron and steel plants. The hybrid modelling approach will combine the advantages of the mechanistic and data-driven modelling techniques. A new simulation-based optimisation algorithm will be developed to simulate and optimise the resulting mathematical model to identify the best utilisation route and determine the best equipment size and operating conditions for industrial CO2 utilisation.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an academic background in Chemical Engineering or a relevant discipline and hold either a high 2.1 UK honours degree or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree (or international equivalents).
Application Information
Information about the application process and a link to the online application form can be found at https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/.
You MUST make contact with the lead project supervisor before submitting an application.
When completing the application include the name of the lead project supervisor as the potential supervisor.
Enquiries about this project can be sent to Dr Jie Li - [Email Address Removed] as the lead project supervisor. The Admissions team in Chemical Engineering can be contacted at [Email Address Removed] with any queries you may have regarding the application process.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
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