PhD in Heterogeneous Catalysis of CO2 to hydrocarbons

Background
CO2 levels are at an all-time high and are increasing annually at a devastating rate. Fossil based resources are depleting, and with crude oil providing the building blocks for most chemicals and commodities, switching to green energy alone will not safeguard our transport, chemical and manufacturing industries. An alternative to crude oil for carbon-based feedstocks is therefore urgently required. A means to effectively capture, store and utilise CO2 (CDU) is a critical research area internationally, and is one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st century.
The Toghill Group headed by Dr Kathryn Toghill at Lancaster University is established in electrochemical energy conversion and storage research. Research in the group spans fundamental electrochemistry, to inorganic and organic synthesis, catalysis to analytical measurements. At the heart of the research is sustainability and application. Find out more from the group website https://sites.google.com/view/toghill.

Project description
A 3.5 year PhD position is available in Lancaster to establish innovative cascade catalytic processes for the synthesis of commodity chemicals from CO2 feedstocks. The project aims to explore mediated electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to valuable hydrocarbon products. The capture and utilisation of CO2 is a global challenge and this project offers an alternative approach to tackling the complicated reaction. The overarching project goal is the development of a multi-stage flow process, which integrates a homogeneous electrochemical charging process with classical heterogeneous catalysis.
This interdisciplinary project is funded through a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. It will involve the synthesis and characterisation of novel heterogeneous catalyst systems; evaluation of catalyst performance using a variety of techniques (for example electrochemistry, NMR spectroscopy, GC-MS and electrochemical MS); the design and application of electrochemical flow reactors in catalysis; working closely with other members of the group to evaluate inorganic and organic mediating solutions.

Requirements
Applicants will hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or 2:1 UK Masters-level or BSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or Natural Science and possess theoretical and practical skills commensurate with the undergraduate degree programme. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in experimental physical chemistry, enthusiasm to work in a laboratory environment, willingness to learn, a collaborative attitude, and will possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

How to apply
Kathryn welcomes informal email enquiries before submitting an application ([Email Address Removed]). Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system (http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply-for-postgraduate-study/). Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position may be filled when a suitable candidate has been identified ahead of the deadline. Please indicate on your application that you are applying for this funded PhD project.

About Lancaster University
The Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University provides a research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each student and promotes a healthy work–life balance. We are committed to the Athena Swan Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Our commitment to these principles is reflected in our recent receipt of an Athena Swan Bronze Award. The Department of Chemistry also operates an informal PhD peer-peer mentor scheme available to all students.