Novel Catalytic Convertors for Low Temperature Exhaust Emissions Treatment

Reference Number: SciEng-AD-2018-1

This project will develop new catalytic convertors to enable a project partner, who supply methane based fuels, to meet the necessary Euro VI emissions legislation targets. The successful candidate will undertake a university based multi-disciplinary project in conjunction with industry, which will provide opportunities to develop a variety of skills.

Requirements of the project

Interested candidates should have a minimum 2:1 Hons Bachelor/Masters degree in a chemistry, materials science or engineering related subject. They should be keen to learn new theoretical and experimental techniques and write papers and patents. Experience with 3-D printing or heterogeneous catalysis would be beneficial but not essential. The project will be full-time for 36 months. The successful candidate will be required to report to, and meet with, the research partner G-volution ltd., and is expected to spend some time visiting the industrial partner to conduct experimental tests.

Aims and Objectives

Prototype catalytic converters will be prepared by combining highly active precious metal (Pd, Pt, Ni, Rh…) catalysts with novel substrates prepared using 3-D printing, and characterised using the suite of instrumentation available at Manchester Metropolitan University (X-ray diffraction, SEM/EDAX, Raman, BET surface area analysis). The catalytic convertors will be tested in the removal of methane, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide gasses from an exhaust stream using a specialised testing facility. This system passes a continuous gaseous mixture over a solid catalyst where the products of reaction are measured online using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). The set-up allows the user to study a range of parameters (temperature, gas flow rate, single versus mixed reactants) without removing the catalyst, which gives the possibility of generating a large quantity of results in a short time. Thereafter, full size catalytic converters will be prepared and tested under real engine conditions at a commercial heavy duty test cell facility in collaboration with G-volution ltd. The performance of the candidate catalytic substrates will be evaluated at the test facility and benchmarked against the current industrial standards.


Deadline for receipt of applications: 29th June 2018

Interview dates/ periods (if known): July/August 2018

When is the student expected to start?
1st October 2018