Materials for Energy and Industrial Decarbonisation

About the Project

Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) of the University of Birmingham (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/energy-storage) is a cross-campus centre with its hub in the School of Chemical Engineering. BCES is part of Birmingham Energy Institute and brings together researchers from across the University to drive innovation in clean energy conversion and storage for decarbonising energy systems, transport and industry.

Research activities at BCES include both fundamental and applied research, covering novel materials, devices, and systems for thermal, mechanical, and chemical energy conversion and storage, multiscale modelling, process scale-up and manufacturing technologies.

This PhD project focuses on materials for energy and industrial decarbonisation, with particular emphasis on novel materials for clean thermal and/or thermochemical energy conversion and storage, and industrial decarbonisation, with the latter achieved through thermochemical or electrochemical-assisted thermochemical splitting of CO2 and water for fuel production at low to medium temperatures. The research will address a wide range of decarbonisation challenges across multiple sectors.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at University of Birmingham. You will have an academic background in engineering such as chemical engineering and materials engineering, or science including chemistry, physics or a closely related field, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Training will be provided in relevant investigative techniques. You will become a skilled communicator, comfortable in an international situation. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential. The project will involve close collaboration with industrial partners.

Lead Supervisor: Professor Yulong Ding

Secondary Supervisor: Dr Tongtong Zhang

Funding Notes

The Studentships are funded for 3.5 years and include a stipend at the standard UK research council rate, covering of the full cost of Home (UK) tuition fees as well as a tax-free stipend. International students are eligible but need to pay for the difference in the tuition fees.