Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO2 has the potential to become a major emissions mitigation technique in the run-up to a net zero economy. However, progress in this area hinges on designing new materials with ideal characteristics for the process – e.g. high selectivity towards CO2 over all other components of air; high operating capacity; high regeneration efficiency; scalable and economic manufacture. Despite extensive research, such a material has not yet been found. This is because prior research has tended to oversimplify the system, mostly by using binary gas mixtures instead of the much more complex and realistic multi-component mixtures needed to represent air. Previous work has also tended to focus on only parts of the process, as opposed to a holistic view of DAC.
This project is a partnership between the University of Strathclyde and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and aims to develop a materials screening pipeline that considers realistic operating conditions (e.g. mixtures of multiple components at the correct air compositions, including water, wide range of pressures and temperatures) and covers all stages (material synthesis, screening, laboratory testing and process design). Molecular simulations will be used to screen various classes of porous materials (activated carbons, porous silicas, RF gels, MOFs) for DAC, validated against experimental data obtained under realistic conditions at both NPL and Strathclyde. This will allow us to identify the key properties of each material that have the most impact on their performance in DAC applications and propose design rules for large-scale economic synthesis of the optimal materials.
You will join a world-leading team of researchers to design the next generation of porous materials for DAC. You will be trained in cutting edge computer simulation methods, including high-performance computing, as well as data handling and processing skills, both of which will address current skills gaps leading towards digitalisation of research. You will also receive training in specialised experimental characterisation techniques (e.g. spectroscopy, adsorption measurements, etc.). This position offers a very generous funding package, which includes a yearly allowance for international conference participation.
In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.
Information about the host department can be found by visiting:
www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering
www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/
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