Project Title:

Supervisor: Dr Chaoying Wan

Renewable carbon-based fuels are produced from biomass. An alternative way is chemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is being produced by industry in an increasing rate and is causing global warming problems. This project aims to develop functional nanomaterials that can capture atmospheric CO₂ and convert it into fuel. This approach will simultaneously address problems related to reduction of CO₂ emissions and its storage. 

This project will be looking at the chemical synthesis of functional nanoparticles, CO₂ adsorption and conversion evaluation. A novel device will be designed and setup for CO₂ capture and conversion by the end of the project.

Various advanced techniques including inorganic synthesis and characterisation technology, such as electron microscopy (both scanning electron microscopy and transition electron microscopy), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser-based particle size analysis and the surface zeta potential will be investigated.

This multidisciplinary project will link chemistry, material science, sustainable energy and environmental engineering. The functional nanomaterials will be of high interest to both science communities and industries. The final products with high CO₂ capture capacity and conversion efficiency are green and low-cost. As such they will generate significant intellectual property and patent protection.

Awards available:  1 award available

Funding Details: Fees and Maintenance at RCUK level

Length of Award: 3 years (PhD)

Eligibility:  Due to funding restrictions, to be eligible for funding, candidates must have Home/EU status.

Application Details: 

Applicants should have a First Class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline such Chemistry, Polymer Technology, Nanotechnology or Materials Science. An MSc in a relevant subject is highly desirable. Knowledge or experience of inorganic synthesis is advantageous.

Please contact engd@warwick.ac.uk prior to submitting a formal application.

Apply directly through the PG Admissions system (note reference number)

Deadline:  30 June 2013