Building upon recent research, in the Fletcher group, which demonstrates the synthesis of new porous materials in the inorganic polymer framework and modified organic xerogel families, capable of selectively adsorbing and storing CO2 via novel interactions, this project aims to use the current understanding of framework and materials engineering, in conjunction with

characterization of sorption properties to iteratively synthesize, test and retro-engineer optimal materials for selective carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and storage. Recent advances in production and characterization of porous materials have shown evidence of materials capable of selectivity towards specific gases/vapours. In particular, the phenomenon of gating pressure (where materials show negligible adsorption of given species until a critical pressure is reached and the material effectively ‘opens’ to admit the gas/vapour) and hysteretic trapping (where a material retains adsorbed gas/vapour within the structure with decreasing ambient pressure without formal chemical bond formation) have been demonstrated. In conjunction with the systematic modification of materials to embed suitable functionalities, these aspects provide a wide range of opportunities for materials development and process optimisation. Synthesised materials will, ideally, be capable of concentrating and trapping CO2 from point sources, including power station exhausts, benefiting from removal of both high and ppm levels of gas, the latter remaining after traditional scrubbing technologies. Such physical retention has an additional benefit of ‘holding’ the gas within the materials even with ambient fluctuations in CO2 concentration. Potential applications can be extended to personal CO2 recovery units for vehicles to be used in tandem with catalytic converters.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• PhD Chemical Engineering

Further information

This PhD project is initially offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with their own funding, or those applying to funding sources. However, excellent candidates will be eligible to be considered for a University scholarship.

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.