PhD Supervisor: Dr Giulio Santori
Application Deadline: 01/12/2013
Funding Availability: Open to UK/EU/Overseas applicants. Studentships will cover University fees (at UK/EU or overseas rate), plus a stipend for 3.5 years at the enhanced EPSRC rate (£14,640 for 2013/14).Â
Research Area: Materials & ProcessesÂ
Project description: Carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion is forcing a rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 levels leading to climate change. CO2 capture directly from the atmosphere (air capture) would provide an option to accelerate the correction and possibly reverse the trend in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Air capture may be a very affordable solution for mitigating climate change, solving the problem with distributed emissions and giving the possibility of locating the air capture unit close to geological storage facilities.
Due to the recent high level of CO2 concentration in atmosphere, CO2 capture from the atmosphere represents the last evolution among the carbon capture technologies and for this reason the feasibility of air capture is still to be demonstrated.
Using adsorbent materials can be considered as the most convenient way to develop an air capture system.
The project is focused on the development of an adsorption air capture device able to selectively adsorb, concentrate and pressurize carbon and in atmospheric air, starting firstly with a theoretical and experimental thermodynamic investigation on adsorption materials. In every step of the project, theoretical investigation will be accompanied by an experimental effort.Â
Eligibility and qualifications: Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit: a first class or upper second class honours undergraduate degree (or International equivalent) is the minimum qualification requirement.
To undertake this research, we are seeking a motivated candidate with a degree or a combination of qualification and professional experience equivalent to that level, in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering.
Some knowledge and experience in at least one among these fields will be particularly considered:
- adsorptive systems design and/or modelling
- adsorbent material synthesis
- adsorbent material equilibrium properties measurement
- adsorption thermodynamics
Independent work, self-motivation, good team spirit and excellent communication skills are important assets of the successful candidate.Â
Please apply through the Apply link below
Select the Research Area referred to in the advert and clearly state on your application form which project you are applying for and the relevant supervisor.
Informal Enquiries to: g.santori@ed.ac.uk
Further information: www.eng.ed.ac.uk/drupal/research/IMP