Reference Code: CE039

Details:

Name of the Supervisor
Professor Ian Metcalfe, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials  

Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Newcastle University

Duration of the Award
Three years

Project Description
Heterogeneous catalysis is crucial to chemical technology. Innumerable chemical reactions are facilitated by catalysts. In this project an exciting opportunity arises for the exploitation of recent advances in state-of-the-art techniques used in the micro- and nano- fabrication of semiconductor devices to fabricate and evaluate novel model catalysts. For the first time we have the possibility to probe the interfacial region between support and catalyst electrochemically using structured catalysts in the form of continuous electrodes deposited on an oxide solid-electrolyte support and compare the behaviour in such systems with commercial catalysts. The main purpose of this project is to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between structural properties of model systems with the microscopic kinetic phenomena occurring in industrial scale catalysts.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
Depending on how you meet the EPSRC’s eligibility criteria you may be entitled to a full or partial award. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726. In the case of outstanding overseas candidates who are not eligible for funding from EPSRC it is possible that the University will make an award to cover the difference in tuition fees.

Person Specification
You should have an upper-second-class Honours degree or higher or international equivalent, in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or a related subject. You must also have the potential for performing original research. If English is not your first language, you should have IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 233 (computer-based) or equivalent.

How to Apply
If you are interested in the above project and meet the criteria you should send a C.V, covering letter plus two references to Professor Ian Metcalfe (i.metcalfe@ncl.ac.uk).

The successful applicant will then be asked to apply for University admission using the University’s online postgraduate application form selecting ‘PhD School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials – Chemical Engineering’ as the programme of study and inserting the code CE039 in the studentship/partnership reference field. Unsuccessful applications will not receive an acknowledgement.

Closing Date for Applications
Prompt application is advised as this post is only available until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Further Information
For informal inquiries about the post please contact: 
Professor Ian Metcalfe 
E-mail i.metcalfe@ncl.ac.uk

For more information and to submit an application, please use the ‘Apply’ button below.