Towards next generation catalysts for biomass-to-chemicals in the liquid phase

The transition to a net zero chemical industry requires the use alternative carbon sources with potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions of this sector (i.e., 6% of global CO2-equivalent) [1,2]. Alongside plastic waste and CO2, biomass has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil feedstocks, providing a pathway towards decarbonisation and sustainable manufacturing for the chemical industry. Nonetheless, realising the full potential of biomass requires the implementation of novel bio-based chemical transformations, which enable the production of fine or speciality chemicals through a circular economy approach [2].

In the last decades, significant research efforts have been made towards the development of chemocatalytic routes for sustainable biomass conversion, focusing on the production of bio-based platform molecules (e.g., glycerol, furfural) that serve as precursors for pharmaceutical, polymers, green solvents, cosmetics and other high-value chemical products. These chemical transformations, which generally involve mild oxidations, selective reductions and dehydrations, are usually carried out in the liquid phase with a solid catalyst. The solid-liquid interface, where interactions between solvent molecules, catalyst surface, and adsorbed intermediates occur, plays a crucial role in the catalytic performance, shaping the nature of the catalytic active sites and affecting key steps of the reaction mechanism [3]. Understanding these complex interactions is essential for developing new or improved catalyst formulations, able of performing selective chemical transformations in the liquid phase.

This PhD project seeks to provide fundamental insights into biomass-to-chemicals transformations in the liquid phase, so as to guide the rational design of highly selective catalyst materials. The project will involve the application of modulation excitation vibrational spectroscopies [4] and operando laser-based techniques (Kerr-gated Raman and 2D IR), available at the Central Laser Facility (CLF) [5], to understand the interactions that occur between solvent molecules, active sites, and reactive intermediates during catalysis, and how these influence reaction rates and product selectivities. Complementary synchrotron experiments at Diamond Light Source (DLS) are also planned during the project.

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 the national facilities (CLF and DLS, global renowned centres of excellence), whilst also allowing access to the world-class facilities available via the UK Catalysis Hub, also based on the Harwell Campus. These combined, will allow the successful candidate to receive training in catalyst synthesis and lab-based characterisation, 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. Ines Lezcano-Gonzalez and Prof. Christopher Hardacre.

Eligibility

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

Funding

At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation 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)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).