About the Project
Background: The chemicals industry depends on fossil feedstocks and accounts for up to 7% of global CO2 emissions. Methanol is a versatile chemical feedstock that can be converted into the raw materials for producing plastics, paints, fine chemicals, and liquid aviation fuel. Methanol can be produced renewably via hydrogenation of CO2 (captured from cement and steel production, or directly from the air) with green hydrogen (produced via electrolysis of water using renewable electricity).
CO2 hydrogenation catalysts are complex materials containing several different metals that cooperate to yield methanol with high selectivity and activity. As a ‘promoter element’, gallium can convert transition metals (e.g. iron, ruthenium, cobalt, nickel, copper) into selective catalysts for methanol synthesis, whilst suppressing undesired pathways such as methane production, but the chemistry behind this effect is poorly understood. Understanding the interaction between the catalyst and reactants at the molecular level will be crucial to develop the next generation of CO2 hydrogenation catalysts.
Project: We will prepare new types of gallium-containing mixed metal complexes and study their novel modes of reactivity at the molecular level, providing a firm mechanistic basis upon which to design, test, and develop catalysts.
By using specially designed ligands, we will target complexes with defined molecular structures, allowing CO2 reduction and hydrogenation chemistry to be studied in precise detail. The molecular-level insight gained will be used to design and test new heterogeneous catalysts containing gallium promoters, with a focus on identifying and optimising the active sites responsible for methanol synthesis.
The successful candidate will utilise a variety of characterisation techniques such as single crystal/powder X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy to characterise novel complexes and catalysts. X-ray absorption and X-ray emission spectroscopy will also be utilised to identify the active species during catalysis. The Morris group also collaborates with expert computational chemists to understand aspects of electronic structure and reaction mechanism.
This project will be co-supervised by Dr Louis Morris and Dr Russell Taylor. The successful candidate will be a member of both Morris and Taylor groups, and benefit from being part of the Chemistry for Sustainability theme within the Department. Training will be provided in underpinning areas of air-sensitive synthetic chemistry, homo- and heterogeneous catalysis, inorganic materials synthesis, characterisation methods, and catalyst testing.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Louis Morris: louis.morris@durham.ac.uk
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will engage with added value training opportunities through a 4-year training programme that has been designed to maximise the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training.
The start date is 1st October 2027.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A minimum of a 2:1 integrated undergraduate Masters degree in Chemistry (MChem) or another relevant degree with sufficient focus on aspects of inorganic chemistry and catalysis, or International equivalent (Regional Pages - Durham University)
- Experience in the undertaking of synthetic laboratory-based practical work and a good understanding of Health and Safety requirements essential for working in a synthetic chemistry laboratory.
- Experience of working under inert-gas conditions using Schlenk line and glove box techniques is desirable but not essential.
- Appropriate English Language qualifications (Direct Entry Band B - Durham University), if required.
- Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Durham or elsewhere.
- Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.
- Home fee student.
To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
- have settled status, or
- have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
Modes of study
Full time or Part Time at 0.6 Full Time Equivalent at Durham (see note for international students).
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will engage with added value training opportunities through a 4-year training programme that has been designed to maximise the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The start date is 1st October 2027.
How to apply
To apply please navigate to our Applications Link. If this link does not work on your computer, please go to our applications page, scroll to the bottom, and click on the ReNU course link – H1A601.
When completing the form on the application portal:
- Under the additional information tab and programme related information section, please input RENU+ CDT Funding and then write RENU/MORRIS in the name of the scholarship. No research proposal or scholarship documents are required.
- When asked if you intend to apply for a scholarship to fund your studies – enter ‘yes’
- When asked which person you have discussed your research proposal with, please name the primary contact for the project you are applying for.
In addition to completing the application form, ensure you upload the following additional documents.
- A completed ReNU Plus Competency Assessment Form in the place of a proposal. Please read further instructions within the form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two satisfactory academic references.
- A personal statement
- Any other required documentation as listed on https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply/
Please ensure you follow all these steps to ensure your application is considered.
By submitting your application to ReNU+ you are agreeing for your data to be used as described in the ReNU+ privacy notice.
Funding Notes
The studentship is available to Home students only and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2025/26 full-time study this is £20,780 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE, stipend £12,468 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Please note that ReNU+ Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis between projects at Durham, and that there are fewer scholarships available than the number of projects advertised.
Deadline for applications: 1 February 2027
Start date of course: 1 October 2027