New Chemistry for Carbon Capture and Storage

PGR-P-86

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Monday 29 April 2024
Project start date: Tuesday 1 October 2024
Country eligibility: UK only
Funding: Competition funded
Source of funding: Doctoral training partnership
Supervisors: Professor Christopher Rayner
Schools: School of Chemistry

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

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. 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. 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.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

Possible project areas are: • Understanding the reactions responsible for CO2 capture and absorbent (e.g. amine) degradation. • Investigating the role of CCS within Bioenergy with CCS towards negative CO2 emissions. • 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.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership 2024/25 Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences (if you do not apply to this programme code, your application will not be considered) and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is New Chemistry for Carbon Capture and Storage as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/182/professor-chris-rayner">Prof. Chris Rayner</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership 2024/25: Chemistry. All other funding sources/self-funded/externally sponsored 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 PHD Chemistry FT and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is New Chemistry for Carbon Capture and Storage as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/182/professor-chris-rayner">Prof. Chris Rayner</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section the funding source you are applying for, if you are self-funding or if you are externally sponsored (please incude the name of your sponsor). If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). 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. Applications will be considered after the closing date.  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. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 3 April 2024 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship, 8 April 2024 for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or 29 April 2024 for EPSRC DTP: <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> </ul>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

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.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

UK Only A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £19,237 per year for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit. 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. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals. Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply. Non-UK –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 (now closed for 2024/25 entry). 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. 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 not covered under these studentships. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information about your application, please contact the Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about this project, please contact Professor Chris Rayner by email to <a href="mailto:C.M.Rayner@leeds.ac.uk">C.M.Rayner@leeds.ac.uk</a>

<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked funding opportunities</h3>