Sustainable hydrogen production from municipal and agricultural waste streams

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recently produced a special report saying that our planet is heating up too quickly and it's time for the world to make an effort to change that. Hydrogen is seen as an alternative clean energy source to replace polluting traditional fuels. However, 95 % of the world's hydrogen is derived from non-renewable fuels. Ammonia is an attractive carbon-free chemical for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Direct electro-oxidation of ammonia can generate hydrogen for fuel production. But, there are challenges that need to be addressed to make ammonia a potential hydrogen source.

The proposed PhD project is focused upon overcoming some of those challenges. Within this area of research, you will master advanced wet chemistry and physical deposition methods for the preparation of electrocatalysts. Advanced characterization methods (i.e., SEM, TEM etc.) will be applied to assess electrode performance, and you will employ electrochemical methods to assess activity. You will also learn about electrochemical cell construction and optimise design to lower energy consumption.

Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry criteria for applicants to PHD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/

Keywords: Hydrogen, Electrosynthesis, Electrochemical Engineering, Water splitting, Ammonia electro-oxidation