Photocatalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Renewable Chemicals and Fuels

Achievement of Net Zero in chemicals and fuels industries is crucial for mitigation of climate change effect and it is dependent on development and implementation of efficient technologies for CO₂ use through circular approaches. Activation and reduction of CO₂ using light and a photocatalytic material is one of the most promising methods due to the abundance of solar radiation and the mild conditions required to perform these processes. Nevertheless, significant challenges arise at multiple levels, including: i) development of affordable and scalable photocatalytic materials with high performance and quantum yields, ii) development of reactor design and configuration for optimal light utilisation and integration of catalyst and reactor structures, and iii) design and understanding of effective operation cycles and strategies.

We are looking for PhD candidates with a strong set of experimental and/or computing simulation skills that are willing to address one of the challenges above, or a combination of those. There are opportunities to shape the project around materials synthesis, testing and characterisation, chemistries development, reactor and operation design and development, analytical and measurement techniques for photocatalytic processes or reactor and computing simulation over a range of scales.

Students must have a minimum of a 2:1 Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Material Sciences or closely related subjects.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

Application enquires: Dr Fernando Russo Abegão: fernando.russo-abegao@ncl.ac.uk, Prof Kamelia Boodhoo: kamelia.boodhoo@ncl.ac.uk