Thermochemical conversion of solid biofuels to energy and renewable carbon materials

Providing pathways for low emissions renewable based technologies through conversion of solid biofuels has been a goal during many years of research and technological development.

Much of the technological challenges facing biomass pyrolysis and gasification, relate to the current lack of fundamental understanding of the thermochemical conversion of biomass. Purpose designed laboratory experiments will help to fill these knowledge gaps, break through existing technological barriers and develop new sustainable applications.

The successful candidate will conduct experiments in a novel thermochemical reactor for biomass pyrolysis and gasification, in which traditional production of syngas and bio oil will be coupled to synthesis of porous and nanostructured renewable carbon materials for energy storage applications. Reaction pathways as well as the chemical and morphological evolution of solid particles during thermal conversion of biomass will be investigated alongside strategies for in-situ reduction and upgrading of tars. Particular attention will be dedicated to the understanding of the char-tar-gas interactions in pyrolysing solids as well as to the routes to synthesis of renewable carbon materials through thermochemical processes.

The work will be conducted in close collaboration with a strong group of Chemical Engineers, Chemists and Materials Scientists.

QMUL Research Studentship Details
Available to Home/EU Applicants only.
Full Time programme only
Applicant required to start in January/February 2018
The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,553 in 2016/17).
The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in Chemical Engineering or closely related discipline.
If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
Please note that this studentship is only available to Home/EU Applicants. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)

Supervisor Contact Details:
For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Roberto Volpe
Tel: 020 7882 7748
E-mail: [Email Address Removed]

Application Method:
To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Mechanical Engineering programme (Full Time, Semester 2 start) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

Research degrees in Engineering: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/engineering/index.html
Further Guidance available via: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/index.html

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2017 SEMS RV’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.