PhD in Chemical Engineering

Hydrogen and clean fuels are central to achieving a net-zero energy system, providing a sustainable energy carrier for hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as industry and transport. However, conventional hydrogen production methods are either fossil-fuel dependent or economically challenging at scale./nThis project aims to develop a cost-effective pathway for clean fuel generation using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) assisted by methane or hydrogen. By harnessing the high-temperature efficiency and fuel flexibility of SOECs, the project seeks to enable co-electrolysis of H₂O and CO₂ with methane participation, enhancing overall energy efficiency and reducing operational costs./nThe research will explore: Material development for fSOEC electrode and catalyst characterisation. fSOEC performance testing under various operating conditions. fSOEC system modelling./nLocation: Belfast - Northern Ireland, United Kingdom./nSupervisor: Dr Liyuan Fan.