Project Description
The development of efficient and stable catalysts for environmentally sustainable chemistry such as hydrogen production from water remains a challenge. Among the variety of approaches that are being investigated to produce chemicals with net-zero targets, piezocatalysis, is new and hot topic. Piezocatalysis captures vibration that can be used to drive a chemical reaction. It has been shown to be active in a range of applications from pure chemistry to biochemistry. In this project you will produce a new range of piezocatalysts by developing technology based on traditional catalysts paired with functional ceramics. By engineering hybrid systems, your PhD project will help to provide solutions to increase the efficiency of piezocatalysts and provide information about the limits of piezocatalysis. Specific areas of interest for this project are to develop materials that can be used to perform biochemistry. This will involve making nanostructures of ceramic composite materials, tagging with a biological active material and investigating the impact on bacteria and viruses. The same technology will also be used to investigate chemical transformations using vibration as the energy source. Here the use of vibration, such as stirring or waves, will be used to stimulate the removal of pathogens and waste from water streams to provide safe drinking water. You will be working in the laboratory developing and producing a range of materials combinations. This is a ‘hands on’ project for someone who enjoys making and testing materials.
Funding Information
This PhD is a School of Engineering Bursary covering fees and a £21,460 tax free stipend per annum for three years.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must have (or be expected to gain) a first class or an upper second-class Honours degree (or the international equivalent), or an MSc and have an appropriate level of English language (details here). Enthusiastic and self-motivated candidates from all countries with a background in Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry or a related discipline are encouraged to apply. A strong interest in laboratory working would be advantageous.
Application Process
The successful applicant will be working with Prof Steve Dunn at LSBU who has supervised over 25 successful PhD projects. As a PhD student, you will join the London Centre for Energy Engineering and work alongside a range of new and experienced PhD students in a collaborative environment. Informal enquiries should be directed to [email protected]. Please send a copy of your CV with a covering letter directly to Steve before applying.
