Vacancies

PhD Vacancies

PhD Studentship-Chemical looping using novel perovskite-type oxy-carriers for hydrogen production

  • Reference Code: CE036


Details:

Name of the supervisor(s)
Professor Ian Metcalfe

Sponsor
Funding is available from Newcastle University for qualified candidates.

Duration of the award
3 years

Project description
This project will study the use of perovskite mixed metal oxides in a chemical looping process for hydrogen production from the water-gas-shift and/or methane partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions. By using an appropriate oxygen carrier, a chemical looping process separates temporally the oxidation and reduction steps of the overall reaction negating the need for a hydrogen separation step. The project will investigate the suitability of different oxygen carriers. It is expected that perovskite-type metal oxides will have a longer lifetime and higher stability compared to their pure metal counterparts currently in use in chemical looping.  This project will be supported by the activities of the Group of Applied Catalysis in Newcastle as part of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Supergen Hub.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
A full award covers tuition fees and an annual stipend of £13,590 (2012/13) . UK, European and overseas students are eligible for funding.

Person Specification
You should have a 2:1 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 575 (paper-based) or 233 (computer-based) or equivalent.
 
How to Apply
You should apply by sending your CV and covering letter to Ian Metcalfe (i.metcalfe@ncl.ac.uk).  Applicants should also arrange for two references to be sent directly to Ian Metcalfe. The successful applicant will then be asked to apply for University admission using the University’s online postgraduate application form inserting the reference number CE036 and selecting 'Master of Research/Doctor of Philosophy.’  Unsuccessful applications will not be acknowledged.

Further Information
For further information contact Professor Ian Metcalfe, email i.metcalfe@ncl.ac.uk.

RA Vacancies

Research Associate in Ceramic Membrane Reactors


Ref D1216R
Faculty/Services Science, Agriculture & Engineering
Department School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials
Job Type Research
Hours of Work Full time
 
Salary: £27,854 - £29,541 (with potential progression to £36,298)

Closing Date: 2 May 2013

You will work in the area of functional ceramic membranes in the group of Applied Catalysis and Solid State Electrochemistry led by Prof. Ian Metcalfe, FREng. The group’s primary interest is in gas-solid reactions, in particular ion-conducting solids and their interaction with the gas phase. Application areas of interest include ceramic membranes for reaction and separation and chemical looping (dynamic) processes. You should have a PhD (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline with expertise in ceramic materials fabrication and kinetic testing. Preferably, you will have additional knowledge in modelling of membrane systems and will be familiar with characterisation techniques such as XRD, SEM-EDS and BET.

The post is available for 12 months.

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Ian Metcalfe (ian.metcalfe@ncl.ac.uk).

 

For full details about this vacancy and essential information on how to apply, visit the Job Vacancies web page at http://www.ncl.ac.uk/vacancies/