Electrodeposition of advanced Cu-based alloy catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to valuable chemicals

SolDAC is an Horizon Europe project ambition is to reinvent the ethylene industry by proving (TRL4) an emerging breakthrough technology for producing technically and economically competitive, socially desirable and climate-neutral (sustainable) ethylene and co-product ethanol (C2 products) from solar energy and air. The project features a photo-electrochemical conversion (PEC) unit, being electrochemistry the only possible route for direct conversion of carbon dioxide into ethylene.

Within the scope of the project, there is a unique opportunity to take part in the development of the PEC unit through a fully-funded 3-year PhD scholarship to develop enhanced electrodeposited Cu-based alloy catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to ethylene and ethanol. Through this scholarship, you will become part of a large multinational consortium of 8 partners including SMEs in the renewable technologies, leading EU research institutions and NGOs from all over Europe (Spain, Italy, Belgium and UK).

Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include experimental activity supported by fundamental thermodynamic modelling. You will attain skills in fundamental and applied electrochemistry, electrochemical engineering, advance prototyping, additive manufacturing (to produce lab-scale electrochemical reactors to test the catalysts) and materials science and engineering. Other skills such as team work, project management or communication skills will also be reinforced during your PhD.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Ignacio Tudela-Montes by email (ignacio.tudela@ed.ac.uk)

Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified. Funding is available for students starting on the 1st of September.


 

Further Information: 

The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity

More information on the overall SolDAC project can be found on the following website:

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101069359

Closing Date: 

Monday, August 15, 2022

Principal Supervisor: 

Assistant Supervisor: 

Eligibility: 

Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.

Funding: 

Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants.

Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants (International students can apply, but the funding only covers the Home fee rate)

The student will be employed as an RA on an EC research grant and are responsible for payment of their fees. Fees are an ineligible cost on EC grants

 

 

Further information and other funding options.

Informal Enquiries: