Hydrogen and sustainable fuels will play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero economy. Cranfield is offering this PhD studentship, sponsored by EPSRC and EDF Energy UK, developing solid oxide electrolysis technologies to convert steam and/or carbon dioxide into hydrogen and sustainable fuels. The proposed research will focus on the development and testing of novel cost-effective electrocatalysts towards a superior reaction kinetics on the electrodes during electrolysis of steam and/or carbon dioxide. A minimum annual stipend of £19, 237 (tax free) plus fees for four years will be provided.
The UK Government has plans to achieve Net-Zero by 2050 and hydrogen energy will play a significant role. High temperature solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) has emerged as a promising technology for hydrogen production, renewable energy storage and CO2 mitigation. In addition, co-electrolysis of carbon dioxide with steam in SOEC produces synthetic gas, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, a precursor for the synthesis of sustainable fuels. However, the main issue associated with high temperature SOEC is the large overpotential required to achieve effective electrochemical reaction rate.
To tackle this problem, this project aims to develop novel and cost-effective electrocatalysts towards a superior reaction kinetics and durability on the electrodes of SOEC during electrolysis of steam and/or carbon dioxide. Combining lab scale electrolysis experimentation, advanced catalysts characterisation techniques and theoretical calculations, the scientific understanding of the relations between electrode structures and performance will be established and underlying factors governing the electrode reactions will be obtained.
The student will be supported by expertise at both Cranfield University and EDF UK. Cranfield University is a world leading research institution in technology transformation research, particularly in hydrogen and sustainable fuels such as water electrolysis for hydrogen production and CO2 capture, and direct combustion of hydrogen and sustainable fuels as a fuel for heat, power and high temperature processing. As a global leader in low-carbon energy, the EDF Group covers every sector of expertise, from generation to trading and transmission grids. The EDF R&D UK Centre is an integral part of the Group R&D network and is responsible for leading research and development activities in the UK. As of today, the UK centre is a 60-strong fully international team engaged in projects of various sizes in support of EDF Energy and works across all energy aspects. The EDF UK R&D centre is supplemented by a deep hydrogen and electrolysis expertise at EDF’s German research centre, EIFER (European Institute for Energy Research), based in Karlsruhe. The excellent synergies in areas of research, laboratory equipment and experiments between EDF and Cranfield University will provide an excellent platform for the students to conduct cutting edge research.
This is a great opportunity to work in a project at the cutting edge of renewable energy and hydrogen energy and to learn cutting-edge techniques in catalyst preparation and characterisation, electro-chemical reaction engineering. They will have an opportunity working on the field site of the industry partner. The student will receive training from the UKRI-funded doctoral training centres as well as promoted to participate in entrepreneurial, project management and technique specific training. They will also be a member of the hydrogen community of practices and hydrogen research group led by Dr Zhu. They will also benefit from interactions with EDF UK, EDF Group in France, EIFER and other EDF R&D international centres, including a work placement at EDF’s R&D UK centre and possibly at EIFER’s facility in Karlsruhe, Germany. The student will also have opportunities to attend conferences to engage with world leading researchers and develop careers.
At a glance
- Application deadline29 May 2024
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date29 Sep 2024
- Duration of award4 years
- EligibilityUK, Rest of world
- Reference numberSWEE0253
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit students with knowledge and experience of chemical and reaction engineering, catalysis and materials and electrochemistry. Prior study of this specific research area is not a pre-requisite. We encourage applications from under-represented groups and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Funding
Sponsored by EPSRC Engineering Hydrogen Centre for Doctoral Training and EDF Energy UK, this studentship will provide an annual stipend of £19,237 plus tuition fee. An additional travel and related expenses grant during the course of the project worth up to £1000 per year for 4 years.
To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home or international students. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Our Values
Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our equal opportunities and diversity monitoring has shown that women and minority ethnic groups are currently underrepresented within the university and so we actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from these groups.
Cranfield Doctoral Network
Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Dr Mingming Zhu
E: mingming.zhu.152@cranfield.ac.uk
T: (0) 1234 758032
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
online application form stating reference number:
SWEE0253
For further information contact us today:
Admissions
T: +44 (0)1234 758082
E:
studyenergy@cranfield.ac.uk
