Catalytic cascade reactions for sustainable chemicals

About the Project

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed, offering greater energy efficiency relative to non-catalytic pathways. As a result, the chemical industry is highly reliant on catalysis, with catalytic processes underpinning 90% of all global chemical production, with the UK a key contributor to the development of catalytic materials and processes. In heterogeneous catalysis, the catalyst presents as a different phase to the reaction, most commonly a solid catalyst used in either a gas or liquid phase reaction. These often consist of supported platinum group metal particles with dimension in the nanometre regime (1 nm = 1 millionth of a millimetre), which are tuned for optimal performance towards a single chemical transformation, e.g. alcohol oxidation to an aldehyde.

One-pot cascade reactions are step-wise chemical transformations where the product from the first reaction becomes the substrate for the next step, and so on, with such sophisticated reaction mechanisms conferring significant benefits, including enhanced process efficiency and reduced waste generation. We have recently shown that spatial compartmentalisation of two distinct catalytic active sites enables precise control over the reaction sequence within a two-step catalytic cascade (Nature Mater. 2016, 15, 178, Nature Catal. 2020, doi.org/10.1038/s41929-020-00526-5). This project will build on this exciting catalytic strategy to produce novel hierarchical porous architectures and methodologies for selective functionalisation, delivering sustainable routes for chemical and fuel production.

Eligibility

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2.1 honours degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials science or a related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor to discuss the application before you apply.

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
• English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]

Funding

At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Please contact the supervisor to discuss funding options.