PhD Studentship - Photo-Electro: Transforming Chemical Synthesis, Discovery and Manufacture (ENG1206)

Funding: Photo-Electro EPSRC Funded Programme Grant

Eligibility: UK and EU students 

Project: The Photo-Electro project is a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research group focused on innovating fine chemical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical manufacturing in the UK through the use of continuous photo-, electro-, and thermo-chemistry https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/photoelectro/photo-electro.aspx The vision is to use continuous photochemistry and electrochemistry to transform how chemical manufacture in the UK, through minimising the amount of chemicals, solvents and processing steps needed to construct complex molecules. A key part of the research is to develop novel chemical reactors for continuous reactions and an essential step in understanding these reactors, and to be able to scale them up, is to undertake modelling of the flows and chemical reactions. Photo-Electro therefore involves a broad multi-disciplinary collaboration, that includes expertise from engineering in the modelling of the complex fluid flows in chemical reactions.

This PhD project is concerned with the application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques to develop modelling of fluid flow and chemical reactions in novel reactors involving complex two-phase gas-liquid flows, such as free surface flows and flows with bubbles of varied size and volume fraction within a reaction vessel. The aim of the research is to understand and model the behaviour of laboratory scale reactors to inform the development of larger reactors of commercial scale. The project will involve the use of existing CFD codes to develop appropriate techniques to model complex two phase flows involving photo- or electro-chemical reactions in the novel reactors under development. The project will be based in the Faculty of Engineering in the G2TRC Research Group, working alongside other researchers undertaking CFD modelling and will also involve close collaboration with colleagues in chemistry who are undertaking experimental and theoretical studies of novel reactors.

Entry requirements - Starting October 2018, we require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a relevant discipline, preferably at Masters level, or an equivalent overseas degree (in exceptional circumstances a 2:1 degree can be considered).

Funding is available only for UK/EU students - Tuition Fees will be paid, and full stipend at the RCUK rate, which is £14,777 per annum for 2018/19.

How to apply: - To apply for a research studentship, please visit https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/jobs/howtoapply/index.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG) within the personal statement section of the application.This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship.

For further information please contact: Prof Steve Pickering, E: stephen.pickering@nottingham.ac.uk

Applications sent to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 27 Sep 2018
Category: Studentships