EPSRC/Johnson Matthey Industrial CASE PhD Studentship, University of Nottingham

Reference

ENG414X1

Job Type

Research & Teaching

Department

Process and Environmental Research Division, Faculty of Engineering & The School Chemistry

Process Modelling Tool for Heterogeneous Catalysts and Fuel Cells

Applications are invited for the above studentship jointly funded by the EPSRC and Johnson Matthey plc, a global catalyst company. Johnson Matthey is a specialty chemicals company focused on its core skills in catalysis, precious metals, fine chemicals and process technology. It has operations in over 30 countries and employs around 8,500 people.  Well-designed, highly active and selective, heterogeneous catalysts facilitate sustainable, industrial chemical processes by increasing energy and raw material efficiency, thereby reducing demand for raw materials and production of waste. As with heterogeneous catalysts, fuel cells require efficient mass transfer for optimum performance. To design and manufacture heterogeneous catalysts, including fuel cell components, one must be able to manipulate and characterise the nano-scale structure of the catalyst support, and fully understand its effect on performance. This project will characterise materials using a variety of cutting-edge techniques, such as NMR cryodiffusometry and x-ray imaging. A new strategy will then be developed to both characterise and model mass transport in heterogeneous catalysts and fuel cells to optimise their performance. The project will combine the use of a variety of novel experimental techniques and computer modeling and will also include a placement with Johnson Matthey to experience the industrial context and applications of the work.

The Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering is ranked in the top three UK institutions for the quality of its research, along with Cambridge and Oxford. The School of Chemistry is ranked in the top two departments in the country.

Students possessing (or about to) at least a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, mathematics, or a related subject, are advised to apply as soon as possible.

This studentship is available up to 30 September 2011 for a period of 3½ years and includes University tuition fees for a student with British/EU citizenship, and a stipend of up to £16,000 per year, depending on meeting UK residency requirements.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr S P Rigby, tel: +44 (0) 115 951 4081 or Email: enzspr@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this Email address will not be accepted.

To apply on-line please access: http://pgstudy.nottingham.ac.uk/apply-for-postgraduate-courses.aspx. If you are unable to apply on-line please contact: +44 (0) 115 951 4224.

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