Novel Sorption Enhanced and Chemical Looping Processes for Low-Temperature Hydrogen Production and Carbon Capture

About the Project

A fully funded 3-year PhD studentship is available in the research group of Dr Theodoros Papalas, within the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.

This project will focus on the development of novel thermocatalytic and intensified technologies to produce high-purity hydrogen with low energy demand and reduced carbon footprint. Traditionally, hydrogen has been used mainly in petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing such as ammonia synthesis. However, global demand is rapidly escalating due to emerging applications in clean transportation, industrial decarbonisation and energy systems, driving the need to develop sustainable hydrogen technologies that will enable to reach the net zero emission goals. The project will develop an intensified hydrogen production technology with potential applications in either steel industry decarbonisation or the upgrading of syngas derived from biomass gasification. Employing the concept of Process Intensification, the technology will incorporate in situ CO2 capture and chemical looping, aiming to reduce emissions and enable sustainable operation with minimal external energy demand.

Key research areas

Research activities will include:

• Synthesis of materials with CO2 capture, redox and catalytic functionalities
• Material characterisation with basic (e.g. XRD, N2 adsorption, microscopy and temperature programmed techniques) and advanced techniques (e.g. XPS, synchrotron-based analysis)
• Evaluation of the performance of materials in a thermogravimetric analyser and conduction of fixed bed reactor experiments to provide the experimental proof-of-concept for the proposed novel hydrogen production pathway.
• Feasibility assessment of industrial implementation, including technoeconomics and life cycle assessment, will also be considered.

Candidate requirements

• A BSc, MEng, or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Energy Engineering or a related discipline
• Strong motivation and interest for research in reaction engineering, catalysis, sustainable energy, decarbonisation and hydrogen technologies
• Willingness to contribute positively to a respectful, supportive and collaborative research culture
• Prior laboratory experience is beneficial but not essential.

What we offer

• Fully funded 3-year studentship
• Training in laboratory operation, experimental methodologies and advanced analytical techniques
• Professional development in scientific writing, communication and data analysis
• Opportunities to present research at conferences, seminars and scientific meetings
• Experience supporting undergraduate and MSc research activities
• A collaborative, inclusive and interdisciplinary research environment within the Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research, where everyone feels that they can contribute confidently.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please contact Dr Theodoros Papalas via email (t.papalas@bham.ac.uk) to show your interest and attach your CV and academic degree transcript. Suitable applicants will be invited for an informal interview to discuss the project and they will have the chance to ask questions about the position and research environment.

Funding Notes

Fully funded PhD studentship (UK/Home applicants). International students may also be considered.