Using plasma to fix nitrogen

The process of fixing nitrogen from the air for use as a fertilizer is a cornerstone of civilisation which sustains around half the world population. The activity is, however, a large contributor to anthropogenic climate change given its natural gas reliance and carbon dioxide by production. Plasma technology, famous for enabling the semiconductor revolution of the last decades, shows much promise to aid contemporary efforts to electrify and decarbonise this legacy fossil-fuel based chemical process. In this multi-disciplinary physics led project we aim to fundamentally advance the understanding and technology readiness of microwave plasma-based nitrogen fixation. Diverse scientific activities will include reactor design & diagnosis, numerical modelling and on-farm growth trials with particular focus on the potential use of plasma fixed nitrogen as a manure additive.

A fully funded PhD student position is available within the School of Physical Sciences and the National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology (NCPST) at Dublin City University (DCU), supported by Science Foundation Ireland. Students, with or expecting to gain, at least an upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent, are invited to apply.

Supervisor: Dr Seán Kelly

Duration: 4 years

Stipend: €22,000 p/a (tax free), tuition fees at EU rate fully covered

Start date: available immediately

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