PhD Studentship: Understanding Catalysts for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy Using Advanced X-ray Spectroscopy

Using captured carbon dioxide and clean hydrogen will play a critical part in creating a sustainable future for the energy and chemical industry. Yet a lack of access to efficient, abundant, and affordable catalysts is inhibiting this transition. This EPSRC funded project will use the power of advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques to understand how the abundant alkali elements can be used to make effective heterogeneous catalysts in sustainable carbon dioxide and hydrogen technologies. With this understanding, we will design catalysts that fully harness the potential alkali species to make a real contribution to creating a more sustainable world.

As part of our team, with expert supervisors in catalyst design (Dr Simon Kondrat at Loughborough University) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source and the University of Leeds, you will make, test, and characterise alkali catalysts. Specially, you will explore water-gas shift chemistry to tailor sustainable carbon dioxide and hydrogen concentrations as the first step to produce sustainable fuels. During the project you will design manufacture and commissioning bespoke X-ray spectroscopy reactor cell, which will be used to characterise alkali catalysts under reaction conditions. You will have the opportunity to share your results within the successful and vibrant UK catalysis and central facilities communities, whilst building skills in inorganic and physical chemistry, applied and sustainable catalysis and advanced X-ray characterisation techniques.

We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networking among your peers and research academics.

Primary supervisor: Simon Kondrat

Closing date of advert: 1st March 2025

Start date: October 2025

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3.5 years

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International

Entry requirements: Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, materials science or related subject.

English language requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Funding information: The studentship, which is partially funded by EPSRC, is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Excellent International candidates are eligible for a full international fee waiver however due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to International candidates.

How to Apply: All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under programme name, select ‘Chemistry’. Please quote the advertised reference number: ‘SCI25-SK’ in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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