Electrified catalytic processes for green fuels production via N2 fixation and CO2 conversion

About the Project

The transition to a low-carbon energy system requires sustainable methods for converting carbon dioxide (CO2) or N2 into useful fuels and chemicals. However, conventional thermal catalytic processes often require high temperatures and pressures, leading to significant energy consumption and limited compatibility with intermittent renewable energy sources.

This PhD project aims to develop electrified/low temperature catalytic processes (such as plasma catalysis or photocatalysis) for efficient CO2 conversion or N2 fixation to produce green fuels. The process will integrate catalytic materials with electrically or photo driven activation methods, enabling chemical transformations under milder conditions while improving energy efficiency. The project will explore new reaction pathways and improve the activation of stable CO2 and N2 molecules and exploit operando spectroscopy, i.e., diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFTS), to understand the mechanism of catalysis. Experimental studies will investigate how electrical parameters, catalyst structure, and reaction environments influence catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.

The outcomes of this project will contribute to the development of scalable technologies for converting CO2 and N2 into sustainable fuels, supporting carbon recycling and reducing reliance on fossil resources. By advancing electrified catalytic processes, the research will help enable more flexible, energy-efficient routes to green fuel production aligned with global decarbonisation goals.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects: Chemical Engineering, Materials, Chemistry, Environments 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 3.5 year project is for self funded students or those with external funding. The start date is negotiable; October 2026, January or April 2027.

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.