Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Tuesday 1 April 2025
Project start date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Country eligibility: UK only
Funding: Funded
Source of funding: Doctoral training partnership
Supervisors: Professor Nora De Leeuw and Professor Sven Schroeder
Schools: School of Chemical and Process Engineering, School of Chemistry
Research groups/institutes: Condensed Matter
Summary
Heterogeneous catalysts contribute ~£50 billion to the UK economy and are one of the key technologies to facilitate net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Sustainable catalyst design requires reduced dependency on finite noble and transition metals resources and other critical elements. In this project, we will explore the use of potassium and calcium, which are abundantly available on Earth and have long been used as heterogeneous catalyst components, for example in the Haber-Bosch process, owing to their ability to influence activity, selectivity, and stability of catalysts. Despite their importance, limited attention has been given to them in the context of catalyst innovation for a net-zero fuel economy. Catalysts containing potassium and calcium compounds will be investigated to establish how the molecular structure and chemical state of potassium/calcium relate to their activity for the sustainable production of fuels. Data for activity, molecular structure and chemical composition will be correlated to inform advanced theoretical modelling required for a rational design of sustainable fuel production.
This project is an opportunity for an early career researcher to train with the latest generation of advanced X-ray characterisation techniques, through which we can expect to pinpoint the relevant molecular processes taking place in real catalysts under practical conditions. At the core of this PhD will be the use of near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP XPS) to generate an initial understanding of potassium and calcium speciation in practical nanoparticle/single-atom noble metal catalysts and in solid super-bases. Catalysts for the water-gas shift (WGS) and Guerbet reactions will be studied, which are both important for the development of sustainable hydrocarbon fuels. This work will be based in the Sir Henry Royce NAP XPS facility at the University of Leeds and at Diamond Light Source. It will be complemented by other advanced X-ray techniques at Leeds and Diamond. Together they will determine the electronic (chemical) and geometric structure of potassium and calcium.
The PhD studentship is embedded with a team of researchers across the University of Leeds (theoretical modelling), Diamond Light Source (advanced X-ray characterisation), and the University of Loughborough (catalyst synthesis, catalyst testing, pre-characterisation by vibrational spectroscopy, electron microscopies and X-ray diffraction). The project builds on strategic national investments in X-ray characterisation infrastructure at Diamond Light Source, the Henry Royce Institute, and at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. It will benefit from engagement of a leading UK catalyst manufacturer.
How to apply
Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the University’s website. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Intelligent Catalyst Technology for a Net-Zero Fuel Economy as well as Professor Sven Schroeder and Professor Nora De Leeuw as your proposed supervisors. Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26: Chemical & Process Engineering.
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).
As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties, we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+, and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.
Applications will be considered after the closing date. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.
Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Tuesday 1 April 2025:
* Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date
* Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project
* CV
Entry requirements
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher; for example, several faculties also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
Funding on offer
A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £20,780 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.
This opportunity is open to all applicants. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.
Please refer to the UKCISA website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.
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