Rational design of photo/electrocatalysts towards Green Nitrogen Fixation and Ammonia Production

In an era marked by the urgent need for sustainable solutions, this project stands at the forefront of innovation in catalysis, focusing on the rational design of photo/electrocatalysts for nitrogen fixation and ammonia production. By leveraging advanced materials science and computational modeling techniques, the research aims to develop novel catalysts with enhanced activity and selectivity towards nitrogen conversion. These catalysts will enable the direct conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into valuable ammonia using renewable energy sources, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional ammonia production methods.

Through systematic experimentation and theoretical analysis, the project seeks to unravel the underlying mechanisms governing catalytic activity, optimizing reaction conditions for enhanced ammonia synthesis. The impact of this endeavor extends far beyond agricultural and chemical sectors, with the potential to revolutionize energy storage, environmental remediation, and beyond. By advancing our fundamental understanding of catalysis and offering practical solutions to pressing global challenges, this research not only addresses the immediate need for sustainable ammonia production but also paves the way for future breakthroughs in sustainable energy and chemical synthesis.

The project will be undertaken under the supervision of Dr Shaojun Xu and Professor Chris Hardacre within Catalysis and Porous Materials Subject in the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester with a co-supervision by Professor Sir Richard Catlow FLSW FRS within Computational Chemistry Subject in the School of Chemistry, Cardiff University.

The successful candidate will receive trainings on a collection of state-of-the-art diffraction and spectroscopy techniques, as well as on data analysis software. The PhD student will be encouraged to attend summer schools and to regularly present their results at national and international meetings.

Eligibility

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related subject with an interest in catalysis and/or advanced characterization methods

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the lead supervisor for this project - Dr Shaojun Xu, shaojun.xu@manchester.ac.uk, -before you apply.

  How to apply

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

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).