A Diamond–University of Salford Partner PhD Studentship
The Scientific Premise
Ammonia (NH3) is one of the most important bulk chemiclas. In particular, through its use in the production of fertilisers, it plays no small part in feeding the Earth's population, which has increased more than fourfold since the industrial production of NH3 via the Haber–Bosch process has become possible. The environmentally friendly production of NH3 is thus a key technology for achieving a carbon-neutral economy.
Cutting-Edge Solutions
A promising way forward is to imitate nature by harvesting solar energy to fix Nitrogen (N2) at atmospheric conditions by means of electrocatalysis. This PhD position is a joint venture between the University of Salford and Diamond Light Source, in which the student will explore the biomimetic synthesis of electrocatalysts for the activation of N2 and its conversion to ammonia (NH3) in the gas phase and at atmospheric conditions. The PhD project will additionally involve the application of surface-sensitive, synchrotron-based, in-situ spectroscopic techniques to be carried out at the B07 VERSOX beamline at Diamond Light Source.
Time Division
The student will spend approximately 50% of their time at the University of Salford in Manchester 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) A background in chemistry or electrochemistry
(2) Practical knowledge of at least some of the following: thin film deposition techniques, electrochemical methodologies, and materials characterisation using spectroscopic techniques including data analysis.
This project is jointly funded for four years by the University of Salford in Manchester 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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