Development of a Zero or Low Carbon Emission Fuel Generating Microfluidic Reactor

The PhD project is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool and CAL International Ltd. It is proposed to design, fabricate and characterise a microfluidic, lab-on-a-chip device to produce fuels with low or zero-carbon content.

Whilst the chemical combustion of solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels will continue to be the most important energy conversion method in the foreseeable future, the availability of fuels with reduced or zero-carbon content brings significant environmental benefits. Currently, there are various industrial processes to produce large quantities of such fuels, which require storage and transportation to the final user, increasing their cost.

The main concept behind this project is to enable in-situ low or zero-carbon fuel production, in the exact amount required by the user, by means of a small-scale, high frequency modular lab-on-a-chip device.

The challenge of the project is to miniaturise an industrial-scale process and concentrate it on a small microfluidic chip; this involves not only process design and optimisation skills, but also manufacturing a complex microfluidic device using the most appropriate micro fabrication technologies.

Once the concept is proven through this study, CAL International Ltd intends to further develop the technology to a marketable point with continued support from Liverpool University and industry partners. The project outcome may potentially revolution the way we supply power to any device, from portable electronics to large vehicles.

Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory

This PhD is one of 20 industry-led collaborative R&D projects from the Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory. The aim of the project is for you to work toward a PhD at the University of Liverpool through delivering ‘real – life’ solutions to industry. The Centre brings together the expertise, resources and global contacts of University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moore’s University and Lancaster University to create innovative low carbon goods, processes and services developed through collaborative R&D partnerships between local companies in the Liverpool City Region and local universities.

All LCEI PhD projects have been developed by SMEs contacting the University for assistance in R&D where the company does not have internal expertise, resource or facilities to carry out the research. This will give you a strong advantage in entering a competitive jobs market in both the academic and commercial sectors.