Designing highly dispersed metal catalysts for catalytic CO2 conversion

About the Project

Single atom catalysts have emerged as a novel class of catalysts that can exhibit optimal metal utilization, with all metal atoms being exposed to reactants and available for catalytic reactions. The single atom catalysts have unique properties due to distinct behaviors in comparison with metal nanoparticles and mononuclear metal compounds in which extraordinary catalytic activity, selectivity and stability for various reactions have been demonstrated and can be attributed to the low-coordination environment of metal atoms.

However, in conventional thermal catalytic processes, requiring high temperatures to activate chemical bonds, single atom catalysts are prone to aggregate and sinter. Thus, single atom catalysts suffer from deactivation and are very difficult to regenerate and recycle. This project aims to address these challenges by developing low temperature catalysis processes to achieve high stability of single atom catalysts for catalytic reactions, such as CO2 conversions and dry reforming.

By leveraging advanced materials science and spectroscopy techniques, the research seeks to develop single atom catalysts to improve the energy efficiency of process and reveal the underlying mechanism governing catalytic activity, optimising reaction conditions for enhanced reaction performance. The comparison of the activity and product selectivity between diffferent catalytic system will also be investigated. The project will involve the preparation and modification of single atom materials and application of spectroscopic techniques to investigate the active centres and mechanistic steps in working catalysts. By advancing our fundamental understanding of catalysis and offering practical solutions to pressing global challenges, this research not only addresses the immediate need to promote the stability of single atom materials in catalysis but also paves the way for future breakthroughs in sustainable energy and chemical synthesis.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials, or related subject with an interest in catalysis and/or advanced characterisation methods.

English Language requirements: For example, IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in writing and listening and 5.5 in reading and speaking. For other examples of accepted English qualifications, and to check if we can waive the requirement, please see English Language certificate.

Funding

This 4 year PhD is for self funded students. The start date is negotiable; possible start dates are October 2026, January, April or July 2027.

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.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor of Dr Shanshan Xu (Email: shanshan.xu@manchester.ac.uk) 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.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

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.