PhD Studentship: Understanding Carbon Sequestration in Porous Media: Sustainable CO2 Storage

Understanding carbon sequestration in porous media: sustainable CO2 storage

Please note that the application is for a studentship only, and it does not include an offer of admission to the University.  The successful applicant would be expected to formally apply for admission and subsequently meet any conditions of admission set forth. Please see our course’s minimum admissions criteria before applying for this studentship to see if you would qualify for admission.

The consequences of increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere leading to global climate change present a clear challenge to the industrial and academic research communities. An exciting potential solution is carbon capture and storage (CCS).   After capturing CO2 at its source, it must then be stored (sequestered) in a long term and stable environment. One such method involves the storage of CO2 at supercritical conditions (SC) in bedrock formations and depleted natural gas reservoirs. It is imperative for the long term viability and safety of such sequestration that the underlying chemistry and physics of the interactions between SC-CO2 and the formations they reside in are thoroughly characterised and understood.

The aims of this project will be to use the non-invasive technique of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the behaviour of SC-CO2 in a variety of model porous systems under realistic conditions. Magnetic resonance provides incredibly rich and diverse data that delivers unparalleled information for both physical and chemical processes via non-invasive, chemically specific measurements of mass transport and molecular properties.

As part of a successful team, you will be initially be involved in the construction and commissioning of a magnetic resonance compatible SC-CO2 rig. You will also learn and develop appropriate advanced magnetic resonance experimental techniques for application to SC-CO2 in porous media. You will then use these techniques to develop a greater understanding of in-situ phase behaviour of SC-CO2 and its interaction with the surrounding solid porous matrix.

The magnetic resonance research centre at the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology in Cambridge is a world class facility housing a vibrant and diverse research group. The are 8 superconducting NMR/MRI instruments along with a number of lower field permanent magnet systems which cover a large range of magnetic fields. This project includes a 3.5 year Ph.D studentship. We will consider applications from outstanding overseas candidates.

For information on how to apply for the studentship, please visit: https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/36094/. Please note that applications must be received by 14 August, and we are unable to consider late or incomplete applications.

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