PhD Studentship - Understanding Sustainable H2 Production via Nonthermal Plasma Catalysis Using Advanced Spectroscopy Techniques

Research theme: Catalysis and porous materials

This 3.5-year PhD is fully funded by The University of Manchester. Tuition fees will be paid and you will receive an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). We expect this to increase each year. The PhD student can start from September 2025 (the start date is flexible) and applications will be considered until the position is filled. Home student fees will be covered (EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis).

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD opportunity in catalysis at the University of Manchester (UoM). Start date: September 2025.
Achieving the UK Net Zero strategy necessitates sustainable zero-carbon hydrogen (H₂) production. Conventional thermal catalytic methods for H₂ production (e.g., steam reforming, water gas shift reaction) requires conditions of temperatures exceeding 500 °C and high pressures. The processes are energy-intensive, lead to rapid catalyst deactivation, and result in high CO₂ emissions. This project aims to address these challenges by developing electrified non-thermal plasma catalysis processes to achieve sustainable H2 production under mild conditions (e.g. ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure), offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods.

By leveraging advanced materials science and operando spectroscopy techniques, the research seeks to develop porous catalysts specific for nonthermal plasma catalysis system to improve the energy efficiency of process and reveal the underlying mechanism governing catalytic activity, optimising reaction conditions for enhanced reaction performance. The comparison of the activity and product selectivity between thermal-catalytic system and nonthermal plasma system will also be investigated. The project will involve the preparation and modification of porous materials (e.g., zeolite, MOFs, metal oxide) and application of spectroscopic techniques (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS and/or XAFS), and XRD), available at UoM and the Diamond Light Source (DLS), to investigate the active centres and mechanistic steps in working catalysts. By advancing our fundamental understanding of catalysis and offering practical solutions to pressing global challenges, this research not only addresses the immediate need for sustainable hydrogen production but also paves the way for future breakthroughs in sustainable energy and chemical synthesis.

The PhD position will be based within the Department of Materials, Department of Chemical Engineering and University of Manchester-Harwell campus. This will facilitate research activities with the national facilities (Diamond Light Source, global renowned centres of excellence), whilst allowing access to the world-class facilities available at UoM. These will allow the successful candidate to receive training in catalyst synthesis and lab-based characterisation, catalysis process and as well as advanced spectroscopic methods. As part of the PhD, the student will be encouraged and expected to present their results at national and international meetings. This project will be undertaken under the supervision of Dr. Shanshan Xu, Prof. David Lewis and Prof. Chris Hardacre.

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials or related subject with an interest in catalysis and/or advanced characterisation methods.

To apply, please contact the supervisor of Dr Shanshan Xu (Email: shanshan.xu@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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