Toward Net Zero Energy: Design of Alloy Catalyst for Direct Seawater Electrolysis

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 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.

Direct seawater electrolysis offers a sustainable approach for renewable hydrogen generation. Seawater electrolysis has a plentiful supply of water and is compatible with offshore wind parks or photovoltaic plants. However, the complex Cl− ion-rich environment in seawater poses significant challenges in addressing electrocatalyst active center poisoning and undesired side reactions at the anode, notably the notorious chloride oxidation reaction (ClOR), especially at high current densities.

ClOR competes with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and the release of toxic chlorine species can diminish electrolysis efficiency and OER activity. Consequently, the presence of Cl− ions seriously impedes the application of direct seawater electrolysis technology. Therefore, developing a catalyst that can achieve great OER performance while selectively suppressing the ClOR is the key challenge for seawater electrolysis. FeNi and Mn-based catalysts have shown enhanced seawater electrolysis performance. However, their performance at high current densities still needs improvement. This project will combine density functional theory, machine learning, and experimental techniques to develop alloys for direct seawater electrolysis. The expected outcome is to facilitate energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy.

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.

Supervisor(s) and their email address(es) (4 max):

Xue Yong, xue.yong@liverpool.ac.uk

Alexander Cowan, acowan@liverpool.ac.uk

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].