PhD Studentship: Exploring Alkali Promoters in Catalysts for a Sustainable Economy through Advanced X-ray Spectroscopy

Using capturing carbon dioxide and clean hydrogen is essential for a sustainable future in energy and chemical production. However, the transition is hindered by a lack of efficient, affordable catalysts. This EPSRC-funded project leverages cutting-edge X-ray spectroscopy to unlock how alkali elements can be harnessed to create powerful heterogeneous catalysts for CO₂ and hydrogen technologies. By gaining deep insights, we aim to design catalysts that fully exploit alkali species, driving real progress toward a more sustainable world.

As part of our team, with expert supervisors in catalyst design (Dr Simon Kondrat at Loughborough University) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source and the University of Leeds, you will make, test, and characterise alkali catalysts. Specially, you will explore water-gas shift chemistry to tailor sustainable carbon dioxide and hydrogen concentrations as the first step to produce sustainable fuels. During the project you will design manufacture and commissioning 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.

We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networking among your peers and research academics.

Primary supervisor: Simon Kondrat

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, materials science or related subject.

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3.5 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees. Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

All applications should be made online via the above ‘Apply’ button. Under Campus, please select ‘Loughborough’ and select Programme ‘Chemistry’ Please quote the advertised reference number ‘SCI25-SK2’ in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

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