PhD Studentship: Novel Electro-catalysts for Electrochemical Synthesis of Green Ammonia

Reference: ST

Discipline: Engineering & Technology

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Other Engineering

University of Warwick and Schlumberger Cambridge Research Limited (SCR)

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Eligibility: UK Students*

Award value: Home fees and tax-free stipend £20,780 - See advert for details

Project Title: Novel electro-catalysts for electrochemical synthesis of green ammonia

Research area and project description:

This collaborative project between Schlumberger Cambridge Research Limited (SCR) and the University of Warwick seeks to develop novel electro-catalysts for the efficient synthesis of green ammonia through the electrochemical process under near-ambient conditions. SCR is part of the SLB technology and energy innovation organisation, employing approximately 98,000 people representing 160 nationalities and working in more than 120 countries. SLB strongly emphasises developing innovative technology, and the company’s commitment to technology and quality is the basis of its competitive advantage.

Ammonia is widely used as a fertiliser with annual production around 200 million tons, which is the second most produced inorganic chemical. Ammonia is typically produced by the high-temperature, high-pressure Haber−Bosch process, using fossil fuels such as natural gas or coal as the energy sources, consuming about 2% of the world’s energy and accounting for 1.4% of global CO2 emissions. Electrochemical synthesis of green ammonia under mild conditions, based on renewable electricity, is an interruptive technology to save CO2 emission from the ammonia industry, while the key is to develop efficient and stable electro-catalysts.

To develop and support a strong ethos of technical excellence, SLB has heavily invested in technology development, and is supported by an R&D spend that since 2015 has annually averaged more than US$800M. The company thus strives to be at the forefront in key energy research and engineering technologies and is uniquely positioned to take a lead role in the transformation toward a sustainable energy future. Research related to green ammonia is a focus area at SCR in alignment with the vision of our company in providing sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.

The project is part of the Warwick Industrial Fellowships (WIF) scheme, and the associated PhD student will have the opportunity to work closely with SCR at Cambridge with access to sites and research facilities. The skills they will develop will be highly sought after both in university research on energy materials and as a practising engineer in industry. Engineers with such expertise will be in high demand.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £20,780, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study.

Non-UK students can apply, but will have to personally fund the difference between the UK (Home) rate and the overseas rate.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors or Masters degree in Materials, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. The advertisement may close earlier if an ideal candidate has been identified.

How to apply:

Candidates should submit an expression of interest by sending a CV and supporting statement outlining their skills and interests in this research area to https://www.warwick.ac.uk/engineeringscholarships/st/appcv via the above 'Apply' button. If this initial application is successful, we will invite you to formally apply. All candidates must fulfil the University of Warwick entry criteria and obtain an unconditional offer before commencing enrolment.

Advert information