EPSRC HyRES Hub: Development of Efficient Electro-catalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Green Ammonia

Funding for: UK Students

Funding amount: Refer to advert

Closes: 30th August 2024

Reference: EPSRC HyRES Hub

Discipline: Engineering & Technology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Other Engineering, Physical & Environmental Sciences 

EPSRC HyRES Hub: Development of efficient electro-catalysts for electrochemical synthesis of green ammonia 

Project Description:

Ammonia is the second most produced inorganic chemical globally, with global production of 200 million tons per year. Ammonia is also a promising carbon-free hydrogen carrier, which is a promising alternative fuel. Currently, ammonia is produced through the high-temperature high-pressure Haber-Bosch process, which is one of the most energy-intensive processes. Alternatively, ammonia can be synthesised at ambient temperature and pressure from water and nitrogen separated from air through an electrochemical synthesis process. This is a promising future technology, but the key challenge is the lack of efficient and robust electro-catalysts for nitrogen reduction reactions (NRR).

This 3.5-year PhD project is associated with EPSRC Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels (UK HyRES Hub) (https://www.ukhyres.ac.uk/). You will have the opportunity to participate in the activities and meetings organised by HyRES Hub and to generate collaborations with academic and industrial partners through this Hub.
You are expected to identify suitable NRR catalysts for efficient ammonia synthesis with high ammonia production rate and energy efficiency. Students with backgrounds in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or other relevant areas are welcome to apply. Some basic knowledge in electrochemistry or solid-state chemistry is warmly welcome but not essential.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the full tuition fees at the UK student rate (£4,786) plus a stipend of £19,237 per annum for 3.5 years of full-time study.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors, or Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Materials Engineering or equivalent. This project will suit those with a keen interest in electrochemistry and knowledge of solid state chemistry.

How to apply: Submit a formal application via the above ‘Apply’ button. 

Application form 'Course search':

Department: School of Engineering

Academic Year: 2024/25

Type of Course: Postgraduate Research

• Engineering (MPhil/PhD) (P-H1Q2)

In the application form funding section, enter: Source: EPSRC HyRES Hub

If you have any questions or would like more information about this project, please contact Professor Shanwen Tao 

The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.

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