About the Project
Ethylene sits at the heart of the chemical industry: it is the starting point for plastics, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and countless everyday products. Yet the way we produce it today, mainly through steam cracking, is one of the most energy-intensive processes in the sector. To meet global net-zero targets, the chemical industry must adopt cleaner and more energy-efficient production routes.
A promising alternative is CO₂-assisted ethane dehydrogenation, a process that uses CO₂ not as a waste product, but as a reactant. This approach can lower the temperature needed to make ethylene while converting CO₂ into useful molecules, offering a pathway towards more sustainable manufacturing.
This PhD project will give you hands-on training in designing, synthesising and testing a new class of catalysts to make this process cleaner, more efficient and more durable. These "dual-atom catalysts" contain two closely positioned metal sites that work together to activate reactants and steer the reaction towards ethylene. By placing these catalysts inside small-pore zeolites, we aim to improve their stability while enhancing local CO₂ adsorption. Using state-of-the-art operando X-ray absorption and infrared spectroscopies, you will watch these catalysts at work under real reaction conditions, tracking changes in their local atomic environment as they happen. These insights will guide the rational development of next-generation materials for sustainable ethylene production.
The PhD position will be based at the world-leading Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, the UK's leading science innovation and technology campus, situated 20 minutes from Oxford and one hour from London. This will facilitate research activities with Diamond Light Source, the UK's national synchrotron facility. Diamond produces intense beams of X-rays to probe materials at the atomic scale, making it an exceptional place to study catalysts under working conditions. You will also benefit from the world-class research environment of the UK Catalysis Hub, which brings together experts, facilities and training in modern catalytic science. Together, these opportunities will enable comprehensive training in catalyst synthesis, performance evaluation and advanced spectroscopic characterisation.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD Chemistry/Chemical Engineering (or international equivalent).
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.