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 dimensions 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 catalytically active sites enables precise control over the reaction sequence within a two-step catalytic cascade (Nature Mater. 2016, 15, 178, Nature Catal. 2020, 3, 960, Nature Commun., 2024, 15, 7718). 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.
Funding
This 3.5 year PhD is for self-funded and externally funded student.
Before you apply
We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
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.
If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [contact details available in the full listing]
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
