PhD: A combined electrochemical/biological approach to produce renewable hydrogen from animal waste

Eligibility: UK/EU/International Students
Award Details: Tuition Fees + Bursary
Duration: 3 years Fixed Term
Application deadline: January 22nd
Informal enquiries are essential before application; contact Dr. John Graves to discuss this opportunity.
As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’. Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success.

The project

The UK Government has made a clear commitment to increasing the deployment of renewable energy across the UK in the sectors of electricity, heat and transport. Hydrogen is seen as an alternative clean energy source to replace polluting traditional fuels however, 99% of the world’s hydrogen is derived from non-renewable fuels. Other alternative renewable sources of hydrogen are required. This PhD project will focus on a combined electrochemical / biological approach to convert animal waste to renewable hydrogen. It will bring together knowledge from the areas of electrochemistry and biotechnology to develop a process for producing electricity and heat from an abundant waste stream. The focus will be on novel, low cost solutions to remove technical barriers that are preventing efficient, renewable hydrogen production from a truly green energy source.

About the Centres/Departments

The Centre for Manufacturing and Materials Engineering builds on existing research strengths within the Faculty of Engineering Environment and Computing incorporating new research teams through investment and growth, and integrating seamlessly with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. This project will be co-supervised by members of the Functional Materials Group within MME due to their expertise in electrochemistry and the development of commercially relevant and scalable processes.
The Centre of Applied Biological & Exercise Sciences furthers the understanding of fundamental biological pathways and processes; applying biological sciences to advance diagnosis and prevention of disease. This project will support theme 1 within the ABES centre, which focusses on cellular & molecular systems, which in this case is the identification, isolation and scalable production of a relevant biological enzyme for bio-fuel production.

Successful Applicants

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area (e.g. chemistry, biochemistry, electrochemistry) with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
• or in the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area (see above) will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study.
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additionally

• knowledge and/or experience in chemistry, electrochemistry, bio-electrochemistry or a closely related discipline
• experimental modelling or analytical chemistry experience.
• experience of (or a willingness to quickly learn) biochemistry, microbiology

Eligibility & Application Procedure

Application Procedure:
Application information can be found in our how to apply section. Before completing the application please contact Dr. John Graves (cc'ing admissions.ec@coventry.ac.uk when you do) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.
Eligibility:
All UK/EU/International students are eligible to apply that meet the academic requirements, the eligibility criteria can be found here.