Understanding Sustainable H2 Production via Nonthermal Plasma Catalysis Using Advanced Spectroscopy techniques

About the Project

Achieving the UK Net Zero strategy necessitates sustainable zero-carbon hydrogen (H₂) production. Conventional thermal catalytic methods for H₂ production (e.g., water gas shift reaction) requires conditions of temperatures exceeding 500 °C and high pressures. The processes are energy-intensive, lead to rapid catalyst deactivation, and result in high CO₂ emissions. This project aims to address these challenges by developing electrified non-thermal plasma catalysis processes to achieve sustainable H2 production under mild conditions (e.g. ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure), offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods.

By leveraging advanced materials science and operando spectroscopy techniques, the research seeks to develop porous catalysts specific for nonthermal plasma catalysis system to improve the energy efficiency of process and reveal the underlying mechanism governing catalytic activity, optimising reaction conditions for enhanced reaction performance. The comparison of the activity and product selectivity between thermal-catalytic system and nonthermal plasma system will also be investigated. The project will involve the preparation and modification of porous materials (e.g., zeolite, MOFs, metal oxide) and application of spectroscopic techniques (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS and/or XAFS), and XRD), available at UoM and the Diamond Light Source (DLS), to investigate the active centres and mechanistic steps in working catalysts. By advancing our fundamental understanding of catalysis and offering practical solutions to pressing global challenges, this research not only addresses the immediate need for sustainable hydrogen production but also paves the way for future breakthroughs in sustainable energy and chemical synthesis.

The PhD position will be based within the Department of Materials, Department of Chemical Engineering and University of Manchester-Harwell campus. This will facilitate research activities with the national facilities (Diamond Light Source, global renowned centres of excellence), whilst allowing access to the world-class facilities available at UoM. These will allow the successful candidate to receive training in catalyst synthesis and lab-based characterisation, catalysis process and as well as advanced spectroscopic methods. As part of the PhD, the student will be encouraged and expected to present their results at national and international meetings. This project will be undertaken under the supervision of Dr. Shanshan Xu, Prof. David Lewis and Prof. Chris Hardacre.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials or related subject with an interest in catalysis and/or advanced characterisation methods.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD is fully funded by The University of Manchester. Tuition fees will be paid and you will receive an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). We expect this to increase each year. The PhD student can start from September 2025 (the start date is flexible) and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Before you apply

Please contact the supervisor of Dr Shanshan Xu (Email: shanshan.xu@manchester.ac.uk) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and English language (if required) to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)