Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisors: Dr Eileen Yu, Professor Keith Scott
School: School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
Sponsor: EPSRC
Duration: 3 years
There are two main research areas which will be covered by this EPSRC-funded project:
*Non-Pt oxygen reduction catalysts for microbial fuel cells
Poor kinetics of oxygen reduction at neutral pH and low temperatures hinder the improvement of microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. Pt is the most commonly used catalyst on the cathode, but its high cost prohibits its use for commercial MFC applications. In this project, research will focus on developing novel non-Pt metal based catalysts and studying the feasibility of using microorganism as the reduction catalysts. Characterisation of catalysts using physical analysis, electrochemical methods and MFC performance will be carried out to understand the reaction mechanisms and kinetics.
*Biohydrogen production using microbial electrolysis cell
Biohydrogen production from biodegradable organic matter demonstrates a new way of hydrogen production. In a microbial electrolysis cell, bacteria are used on the anode to produce protons and electrons. They combine again on the cathode to produce hydrogen. With the assistance of hydrogen evolution catalysts on the cathode, the overpotential of hydrogen evolution can be reduced significantly, thus requiring less energy for the hydrogen production process. This research will focus on optimising the process by exploring novel materials for anode, hydrogen evolution catalysts, as well as the substrates to develop an efficient system for sustainable hydrogen production.
This project will be based within the Newcastle University Microbial Fuel Cell Research Group.
Person Specification
We are seeking highly motivated applicants with a good Honours degree (minimum of an upper-second-class BSc or BEng Honours degree or equivalent) in chemical engineering, chemistry, bioengineering, biochemistry, or a related area. Applicants must have good numeric and experimental skills.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
Due to funding criteria, this award is only available to UK and other EU applicants. UK students are eligible for an award that covers fees and provides an annual stipend (£12,940 per annum). Applicants from other EU countries are eligible for a fees only award.
How to Apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form, selecting ‘PhD School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials (full time) - Chemical Engineering’ as the programme of study and inserting the reference number CE013. 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 CE013 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 Eileen Yu, eileen.yu@ncl.ac.uk or Professor Keith Scott, k.scott@ncl.ac.uk
Funding information
- Funding applies to:
- EU applicants (including UK)
