PhD Studentship: Production of Hydrogen and Sustainable Fuels in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

Start date: 29/09/2024         

Fee status : UK

Duration 4 years

1st Supervisor: Dr Mingming Zhu   

2nd Supervisor: Dr Ali Nabavi

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Hydrogen and sustainable fuels will play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero economy. Cranfield is offering this PhD studentship, sponsored by EPSRC and EDF Energy UK, developing solid oxide electrolysis technologies to convert steam and/or carbon dioxide into hydrogen and sustainable fuels. The proposed research will focus on the development and testing of novel cost-effective electrocatalysts towards a superior reaction kinetics on the electrodes during electrolysis of steam and/or carbon dioxide.

The UK Government has plans to achieve Net-Zero by 2050 and hydrogen energy will play a significant role. High temperature solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) has emerged as a promising technology for hydrogen production, renewable energy storage and CO2 mitigation. In addition, co-electrolysis of carbon dioxide with steam in SOEC produces synthetic gas, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a precursor for the synthesis of sustainable fuels. However, the main issue associated with high temperature SOEC is the large overpotential required to achieve effective electrochemical reaction rate. 

To tackle this problem, this project aims to develop novel and cost-effective electrocatalysts towards a superior reaction kinetics and durability on the electrodes of SOEC during electrolysis of steam and/or carbon dioxide. Combining lab scale electrolysis experimentation, advanced catalysts characterisation techniques and theoretical calculations, the scientific understanding of the relations between electrode structures and performance will be established and underlying factors governing the electrode reactions will be obtained.

This is a great opportunity to work in a project at the cutting edge of renewable energy and hydrogen energy and to learn cutting-edge techniques in catalyst preparation and characterisation, electro-chemical reaction engineering. They will have an opportunity working on the field site of the industry partner. The student will receive training from the UKRI-funded doctoral training centres as well as promoted to participate in entrepreneurial, project management and technique specific training. They will also be a member of the hydrogen community of practices and hydrogen research group led by Dr Zhu. They will also benefit from interactions with EDF UK, EDF Group in France, EIFER and other EDF R&D international centres, including a work placement at EDF’s R&D UK centre and possibly at EIFER’s facility in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline.

Funding

Sponsored by EPSRC Engineering Hydrogen Centre for Doctoral Training and EDF Energy UK, this studentship will provide an annual stipend of £19,237 plus tuition fee. An additional travel and related expenses grant during the course of the project worth up to £1000 per year for 4 years.

How to apply

For further information
Name: Mingming Zhu
Email: [email protected]

If you are eligible for this studentship, please complete the online application form .

Keywords

 hydrogen, carbon catpure and utilisation, catalysis, solid oxide electrolysis