Photoelectrochemical Conversion of CO2 into Fuels and Value-Added Chemicals
The proposed research aims to develop innovative catalyst materials and photoelectrochemical (PEC) system for CO2 conversion into practical fuels and value-added chemical commodities production using sunlight. This project will directly address the UN SDGs: 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, 13 Climate Action and 3 Good Health and Well-Being.
Research Opportunities
Summary
The use of fossil fuels and resulting CO2 emissions are exacerbating global climate change. Therefore, the research seeking decarbonisation technology to minimise CO2 emissions is significantly important and urgent. Solar, wind and hydro are major renewable energy resources helping in the decarbonisation process. Amon them, solar energy-driven system considered as a potential technology for chemicals and fuels in the presence of suitable catalysts and earth abundant resources such as water and sunlight. In particular, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) is one of the most promising approaches since it combines the advantages of both electrocatalytic and photocatalytic processes in the single unit for solar fuels and chemicals production with high-energy efficiency under ambient conditions. But sustaining an impactful PEC CO2 conversion into more valuable feedstocks such as methanol, ethanol and ethylene requires rational design and development of efficient catalysts.
Aim
This interdisciplinary project aims to develop series of metal-based (e.g., copper, bismuth, tin, palladium, etc) alloy or composites catalysts to selectively produce high market value fuels and chemicals feedstock such as methanol, ethanol and ethylene with high efficiency. Having alloy catalysts or separated composites could tailor the binding energy of intermediates, electronic states, and coordination environment of catalyst, which could provide more active sites and consequently increases the selectivity and catalytic activity. Furthermore, the prepared catalysts will be integrated with PEC device for solar fuels/chemicals generation in a more sustainable way using solar energy as energy input.
Methods
This project envisages developing and demonstrating a low-cost and highly efficient catalysts for CO2 conversion. Further, by integrating prepared catalysts into suitable photoelectrodes will be demonstrated for PEC CO2 conversion. This project involves catalyst materials preparation to their characterisation and testing for PEC CO2 conversion.
Catalysts preparation: A range of synthesis facilities at RGU such as wet chemical synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis and high temperature thermal annealing synthesis methods will be used to prepare the catalyst materials.
Catalysts characterisation: Various spectroscopic and microscopic characterisation such as FTIR, SEM, ICP-OES, XPS and Raman spectroscopy will be used to characterise the prepared catalysts.
PEC CO2 conversion testing: The PEC CO2 conversion experiment will be carried out using a photoelectrochemical set-up under simulated sunlight. The liquid products (methanol, ethanol) and gaseous product (methane, ethylene) will be analysed and quantified using gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance facilities at RGU.
Interdisciplinary nature of the project
The proposed project is interdisciplinary that bridges the fields of sustainable energy, materials science and chemical engineering, and contributes to gain fundamental knowledge and skills in various angles of catalyst for next generation fuels and chemicals production using almost zero cost CO2 and sunlight as input.
Candidate background
We are seeking a highly motivated individual passionate about sustainable energy research with strong background in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering or a related field.
Supervisors
Discuss this further with a potential supervisor for this research degree:
Research Themes
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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