Key facts
- Type of research degree
- PhD
- Application deadline
- Ongoing deadline
- Country eligibility
- International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
- Funding
- Competition funded
- Supervisors
- Professor Christopher Rayner
- Schools
- School of Chemistry
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key strategy for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and is essential if we are to meet our climate change targets. Rather than being released into the atmosphere, CO2 produced by large scale industrial processes, is selectively captured, concentrated, and then transported for storage in geologically suitable sites such as saline aquifers and depleted oil wells.<br /> <br /> However, the capture and concentration of CO2 represents a huge challenge, particularly in terms of scale, given that a large power station can produce over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 per day. Current technology utilises amines such as monoethanolamine (MEA) to selectively capture the CO2, which then on heating liberates almost pure CO2 suitable for storage. However, there remain significant problems with this technology.<br /> <br /> Firstly, it is very energy intensive and significantly reduces the efficiency of power stations; secondly, the use of MEA is far from ideal as it decomposes over time to give large volumes of potentially hazardous material which will require disposal; and thirdly, it has never been demonstrated on such a large scale.
<p>Possible project areas are:</p> <p>• Understanding the reactions responsible for CO2 capture and absorbent (e.g. amine) degradation.</p> <p>• Investigating the role of CCS within Bioenergy with CCS towards negative CO2 emissions.</p> <p>• Developing and understanding new CO2 absorption systems which alleviate many of the problems inherent with MEA. Much of this work is through our spin out company, C-Capture Ltd. which is commercialising our patented technology for carbon dioxide capture.</p>
<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>New Chemistry for Carbon Capture and Storage </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/182/professor-chris-rayner">Prof. Chris Rayner</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> <li>Funding information including any alternative sources of funding that you are applying for or if you are able to pay your own fees and maintenance</li> </ul> <p> </p>
Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.
<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> are available to UK applicants (open from October 2023). <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> –The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (open from October 2023). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>Important: Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <strong>not</strong> covered under this studentships.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p> </p>
<p>For further information about your application, please contact the Doctoral College Admissions: e: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Chris Rayner: e: <a href="mailto:C.M.Rayner@leeds.ac.uk">C.M.Rayner@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>