PhD in Chemistry: Electrocatalysis: Development of Catalysts for the Electrochemical Transformation of Organic Biobased Molecules into Value-Added Products and Energy Harvesting

PhD in Chemistry: Electrocatalysis: Development of Catalysts for the Electrochemical Transformation of Organic Biobased Molecules into Value-Added Products and Energy Harvesting

About the Project

The PhD will be based within the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI) Cardiff Catalysis Institute – Cardiff University which is one of the leading centres for catalyst research focussed on improving the understanding of catalysis, developing new catalytic processes with industry and promoting the use of catalysis as a sustainable 21st century technology.

The shift towards sustainable chemical processes is a key challenge in modern chemistry. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, there is an increasing interest in the utilization of organic biobased molecules, which can be derived from renewable resources such as biomass. These molecules, often complex and diverse, offer a promising avenue for the synthesis of high-value chemicals and fuels. However, the direct conversion of these biobased molecules into valuable products requires the development of efficient catalytic systems that can operate under mild conditions.

Electrochemical transformation presents a unique and sustainable approach to achieving these conversions. Unlike traditional catalytic processes that often require high temperatures and pressures, electrochemical methods can operate under ambient conditions. Moreover, these processes offer the possibility of simultaneously harvesting electrical energy during the transformation.

This project aims to develop new catalysts for the electrochemical transformation of organic biobased molecules into more valuable products. Additionally, the project will focus on optimizing the system to efficiently harvest the electrical energy generated during the transformation.

During the PhD you will develop a number of practical skills including:

Catalyst Synthesis and Characterization:

• Synthesis techniques (e.g., solvothermal synthesis, electrodeposition).
• Catalyst characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Electrochemical Techniques:

• Knowledge of electrochemical methods, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
• Experience in setting up and operating electrochemical cells.

In Situ and Operando Spectroscopy:

• Familiarity with in situ/operando spectroscopic techniques (e.g., in situ Raman, infrared spectroscopy) to monitor reaction intermediates.

Academic criteria

We prefer the applicants for this project to have a Masters level qualification.

If English is not your first language that you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements/postgraduate

Further details on the project are available from Pr. Graham Hutchings Professor Graham Hutchings – People – Cardiff University

How to apply

To apply please complete the online application –https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/chemistry and state the project title and supervisor name

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.