The Characterisation of Carbon Deposits using Modern Surface Science and Bulk property Analytical Techniques.

Industrial partner: Innospec

University of Nottingham supervisors: Dr. David Scurr and Prof. Colin Snape

The impact of carbon-based deposits on climate change and human health is the driver for legislation, fuel technology change and engineering improvements. The carbon species produced by the internal combustion engine have various impacts on emissions and despite many years of research are still not fully understood. Recent work at Nottingham^1-3 has shown a paradigm shift in the understanding of these deposits and has had subsequent impact in their reduction.

The work has informed industry produce to develop mitigation chemistries to be produced and thus reduce emissions. The project is a unique opportunity to use very sophisticated surface science techniques such as Orbitrap 3D secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The study will involve carbon material from across the powertrain vista, road, rail, off road, marine, and standing. The material will be associated with injector deposits, filter deposits to enable emission reduction and soot, especially those associated with respiratory inflammation cardiovascular health problems and premature mortality. The information regarding the structure of these species will be used to invent mitigation strategies for the benefit of all. Though the work is focussed on carbon this is a unique opportunity to learn to use and interpret data from “state of the art” instrumentation yielding important portability skill sets.

The University of Nottingham is a World leading research institute. It is ranked 7^th seventh in the UK for research Power, which takes into account a combination of the quality of our research, its international impact, critical mass and sustainability. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) 90%* of our research was classed as ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) and 100%* of our research is recognised internationally.

We would like you to start in October 2023. Applications are welcome from graduates with a relevant STEM or engineering background. You will work closely with your industry sponsor giving you plenty of opportunity to gain more industry experience.

Please apply to the University of Nottingham.

Informal enquiries may be sent to Dr David Scurr ([Email Address Removed]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.