A Diamond–Loughborough University PhD Studentship
The Scientific Premise
The use of captured carbon dioxide and clean hydrogen will play a critical role 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. Your 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 of alkali species to make a real contribution to creating a more sustainable world.
Experts in Catalyst Design
As part of our team, comprising expert supervisors in catalyst design (Dr Simon Kondrat at Loughborough University) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (Dr Giannantonio Cibin at Diamond Light Source), you will make, test and characterise alkali catalysts. During the project, you will spend 50% of your time at the world leading Diamond Light Source facilities, designing, manufacturing, and commissioning a 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.
Global Leaders in Research
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron and one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world. Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated – as “world leading” or “internationally excellent”.
Through your enrolment in both Loughborough University's Doctoral College and Diamond's PhD programme, there will be continual opportunities for you to build important research skills and network among your peers and research academics in a community based on mutual support and collaboration.
Time Division
The student will spend approximately 50% of their time at Loughborough University and 50% at Diamond Light Source Ltd, the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Attributes of Suitable Applicants
(1) You should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or a related subject.
(2) You must meet Loughborough University's minimum English Language requirements.
This project is jointly funded for three years by Loughborough University and Diamond Light Source Ltd. Successful students will receive a stipend of no less than the standard UKRI stipend rate, currently set at £18,622 for the academic year 2023 to 2024 (the rates for subsequent academic years have not been published), plus a £2,000 per annum stipend top-up.
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
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