Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisor(s): Dr Mark Willis, Professor Allen Wright
School: School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
Provider: EPSRC
Duration: 3 years from 1 October 2008
Project Description
Applications are invited for this EPSRC supported project. The candidate will join a team of researchers investigating the oscillatory nature of the phenylacetylene oxidative carbonylation reaction in the catalytic system (PdI2-KI-Air-NaOAc in methanol solution). This reaction is significant for a number of reasons: 1) it provides a novel organic-organometallic catalyst-based reaction oscillator operating in a stirred batch reactor; 2) this general family of addition reactions provide a means of producing new carbon – carbon bonds and of introducing greater complexity and functionality into product molecules; 3) the oscillatory behaviour, as our latest research indicates gives an additional degree of freedom that may be used to influence product selectivity.
The objective of this research is to quantitatively understand the oscillatory nature of the phenylacetylene oxidative carbonylation reaction. This will be achieved through the development of mathematical models using data acquired from experimental studies. This study will provide greater insight into oscillatory reactions of industrial importance and explain the influence of oscillations on yield and selectivity, for example how the occurrence of oscillations affects product selectivity as well as the dynamics of product selection.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
Due to funding criteria, EPSRC funded studentships are available only to UK/EU applicants. UK students are eligible for fees and stipend at the standard EPSRC rate (£12,940). EU candidates are eligible for fees only.
Person Specification
We are seeking a highly motivated student with a good Honours degree (upper-second-class Honours degree or higher) in chemical engineering or chemistry and/or an MSc degree in science and engineering. Ideally, the candidate should have good numeric and experimental skills.
How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), selecting ‘PhD School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials (full time) - Chemical Engineering’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number CE010. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) and a CV and a covering letter should be attached. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote the reference number CE010 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.
Closing date: Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as this position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.
Further Information
If you would like more details about this studentship, please contact Dr Mark Willis, mark.willis@ncl.ac.uk or Professor Allen Wright, a.r.wright@ncl.ac.uk
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
