Postgraduate Opportunities
Newcastle University
Supervisor(s): Professor Keith Scott
School: School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials
Provider: EPSRC
Duration: 3 years from 1 October 2008
In water electrolysis, for example using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) cell, hydrogen is produced at the cathode by reduction of protons (H+) which are formed at the anode during oxygen evolution. Similar electrolysis process to produce hydrogen can use a range of other organic and waste materials; sugars etc.
For alcohols hydrogen is produced:
Ethanol: C2H5OH + 3 H2O →2 CO2 + 6 H2
Ethylene glycol: 2(CH2OH) + 2 H2O → 2 CO2 + 5 H2
The advantage of using an alcohol such as methanol is that the theoretical cell potential, based on standard electrode potentials for water oxidation and methanol oxidation, is some 1.2 V lower than for water electrolysis. The theoretical operating potential of the cell is 0.02 V, i.e. 20 mV to convert 1 mole methanol to 3 moles hydrogen.
For this project, we are interested in developing novel catalysts for hydrogen production, and oxygen evolution with low overpotentials. Also, the design and optimisation of PEM cell configuration will be investigated for the specific purpose of hydrogen production.
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 (http://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 CE015. 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 CE015 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)
