Plasma-assisted ammonia production for carbon-free marine fuels

Description

Renewable Energy is one of the fastest growing sectors addressing the most important challenges of our age.  Offshore renewables, energy distribution, and the environmental impacts of constructing and decommissioning the infrastructure are some one of the most pressing research themes faced by the UK.  

The Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions (N0MES) Centre for Doctoral Training is creating the future specialist workforce needed by our industrial partners through PhD projects finding solutions to industrial needs. We have a number of projects available, so please search for N0MES if you’re interested in net zero, sustainability, low carbon renewable energy research.

Ammonia((NH3) has emergence as one of the strongest alternatives for viable fossil-free marine fuels. Ammonia is a carbon-free fuel and has the advantage of higher energy density than, for example, hydrogen. It can also be liquefied fairly easily although it is a gas at standard conditions. Plasma catalysis offers a promising electrification solution for decentralized ambient ammonia production using intermittent renewable energy. However, energy efficiency using plasma catalysis for ammonia synthesis remains low due to limited knowledge on the synergetic effects between plasma and the catalyst. This further hinders the development of efficient catalysts for this process.

This project aims to combine machine learning and density functional theory calculations (DFT) and experimental synthesis to accelerate the rational design and optimization of highly efficient catalysts for plasma catalytic ammonia synthesis from N₂ and H₂ under ambient conditions. A novel dataset of the reaction intermediates, adsorption energies, and activation barriers will be created using DFT calculations. This data will then be used to train and refine an ML model capable of predicting overall catalytic activity. The most promising catalysts identified through ML-DFT predictions will be synthesized and rigorously tested in our experiments, validating the effectiveness of this combined approach. This interdisciplinary effort has great potential to revolutionize the development of next-generation catalysts, ultimately leading to sustainable and energy-efficient ammonia production under mild conditions.

N0MES CDT

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy solutions (N0MES) has a 4-year funded PhD place available for an exceptional researcher. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:

a) Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS);

b) Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities;

c) Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritime environment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage; and

d) Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered. 

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, two academic references and a supporting statement [maximum 300 words] detailing; what inspires you within this project, how your skill set matches the project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment to science, piece of science that excites you & anything else to support your application.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor [yongx837@liverpool.ac.uk], those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the CDT Manager Matt Fulton [n0mescdt@liverpool.ac.uk].