Catalytic materials for biomass valorisation - from single sites to nanoparticles

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, and often consists of supported platinum group metal particles with dimension in the nanometre regime (1 nm = 1 millionth of a millimetre). However, even at sizes as small as 2 nm (~ 150 atoms) up to 40% of the atoms are within the bulk of the particle and not accessible for catalysis, which occurs only at the nanoparticle surface. To address this and maximise accessibility single-atom site catalysis, which represents the ultimate in miniaturisation and results in 100 % accessibility, has gained significant interest over the last 5 years, especially in gas-phase reactions.

Biomass valorisation proves a suitable pathway to both chemicals and fuels through a biorefinery concept, equivalent to petrochemical refining but utilising cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin as feedstocks. Catalytic processing of such feedstocks requires a different strategy to petrochemical ones, often necessitating low temperature aqueous liquid phase processes for optimal selectivity towards desirable products. The development of highly efficient catalytic materials for such processes is highly desirable, with single-atom catalytic materials a potential solution. This project aims to develop single-atom sites for the oxidation of biomass derivates, to develop a more efficient and sustainable process for polymeric monomer production through the synthesis of carbonyl and carboxylic acid species. Furthermore, recent observations have shown that in some cases, two atoms are better than one, and this has provided the first stepping stones to link single sites and nanoparticles. At the same time, it also raises the question of the optimal configuration. To further investigate this diatom and triatome site will also be explored.

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 students.

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

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

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-fap

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied 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
• 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).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.