Water is an essential element for life and industry and there are numerous applications were an effective and selective separation of water vapour from a gaseous mixture is required. This can be challenging in environments where water vapour is in small amounts (< 1% w/w). Few examples are the atmospheric water harvesting on Earth and Mars, the water recovery in space life support systems, the dehumidification of CO2 in carbon capture and sequestration and the removal of water product in equilibrium reactions such as Sabatier and reverse water-gas shift. The purpose of this research is to use modelling and experiments to synthesise water superadsorbent materials with high capacity (>0.5 g/g) able to selectively separate it from mixtures of inorganic gases (CO2, N2, O2, CO).

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Information about the host department can be found by visiting:

www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/chemicalprocessengineering

www.strath.ac.uk/courses/research/chemicalprocessengineering/

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.

Funding Notes

This PhD project is initially offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with their own funding, or those applying to funding sources. However, excellent candidates will be eligible to be considered for a University scholarship.