Robinson Research Institute PhD: Novel magneto-thermal catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation

Study area(s): Engineering; Science
Scholarship level: Doctoral; Doctoral (fully funded)
Closing date(s): 31 January 2024
Tenure: 3 years
Number offered: One
Value: The PhD scholarship will include all tuition fees and a stipend of $35,000 p.a. (tax-free) for 3 years.

Description

A circular CO2 economy requires the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide into useful products and materials. But this is complicated by the high chemical stability of carbon dioxide. One promising approach is catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to small organic molecules such as methane or methanol, which can then be used as precursors for more complex large molecules and polymers. However, CO2 hydrogenation typically requires high temperatures in order to provide sufficient energy to initiate the reaction. The very high energy costs associated with heating input and output flows mean that this approach is not presently economically feasible.

This PhD project will investigate a new approach to catalytic CO2 hydrogenation, using novel magneto-thermal core-shell catalyst micro/nanoparticles. These ferromagnetic particles undergo localised rapid heating in an oscillating magnetic field, delivering energy solely to the reaction site and at a fixed temperature determined by the Curie Temperature of the core material. This approach could substantially decrease the energy demand of the hydrogenation process, as heat does not dissipate throughout the wider reactor.  It also provides the potential for improved selectivity and a decrease in parasitic side-reactions.

In this PhD project, the student will synthesise a range of novel catalyst particles, and characterise their magneto-thermal behaviour. A benchtop reactor system will then established to test the CO2-hydrogenation performance of these catalysts under continuous flow operation. This project is funded through the MacDiarmid Institute, New Zealand’s Centre of Research Excellence for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology.  The student will be based and enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington under the primary supervision of Dr. Chris Bumby. The student will also collaborate with key partner investigators at the University of Auckland and GNS science, as well as the wider MacDiarmid Institute.

Who is eligible?

The applicant should hold a degree equivalent to an MSc/MEng or a 1st class Honours (4-year) degree in New Zealand, in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or a similar discipline. Previous laboratory experience in materials synthesis or gas phase catalysis could be advantageous. Candidates should satisfy the requirements for admission as a PhD candidate at Victoria University of Wellington.

Application process

To apply, please send your CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees to: Dr Chris Bumby (chris.bumby@vuw.ac.nz).

Regulations and conditions

  1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
  2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being enrolled in a full-year programme (as stipulated by Studylink as full-time), within the criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
  3. Where part-time study for the recipient is approved, their scholarship award may be pro-rated. This decision will be made by the decision-making panel. Before the recipient decides to reduce their workload from full-time study, this must be discussed with the Scholarships Office.
  4. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  5. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other University awards.
  6. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
  7. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.

Contact

Please contact Dr Chris Bumby (chris.bumby@vuw.ac.nz) if you have any questions.