Bipolar membrane zero-gap electrolyzer for CO2 reduction to sustainable fuels and chemicals Imperial College London in United Kingdom

This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.

Project: Electrochemical CO2 conversion is an emerging technology for production of sustainable fuels and chemicals. However, state-of-the-art CO2 electrolysers based on anion exchange membranes (AEMs) suffer from (bi)carbonate crossover, leading to low CO2 utilization. Bipolar membranes (BPMs) have emerged as a promising solution for electrochemical CO2 conversion. The BPM comprises a cation-exchange layer (CEL) and an anion-exchange layer (AEL), with water dissociation catalysts at their interface splitting water into protons and hydroxides. As a result, the BPM can inherently maintain different reaction environments for CO2 reduction and O2 evolution while limiting ion crossover. However, the industrial implementation of BPM-based zero-gap electrolyzer is limited by the poor CO2 reduction performance. Recent studies have shown that optimizing the catalyst, ion transport within the membrane and catalyst layers play a pivotal role in improving the performance. This PhD project will investigate bipolar membrane CO2 electrochemical conversion technology by combining the latest development of bipolar membranes and electrocatalysts. This builds on the group’s development of bipolar membranes with both high conductivity and fast water dissociation kinetics. The project will develop low-cost catalysts active in acidic media, which can decrease the cell potential by mitigating the pH gradient between the CEL and catalyst layer. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) will be fabricated and integrated in a zero-gap flow cell electrolyser. The performance of CO2 electrolysis will be evaluated, such as CO2 conversion kinetics, selectivity, and utilisation efficiency. By optimising the key components and the reaction conditions, we aim to achieve efficient and stable CO2 utilization.

Lead supervisor/s: Prof Qilei Song https://www.imperial.ac.uk/song-group/people/dr-qilei-song/

CDT in Green Industrial Futures: The CDT is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath. The CDT is further supported by contributions from industrial partners. Bringing these leading universities together allows CDT-GIF students access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources and facilities.

The CDT-GIF has an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers. Alongside the four-year research project, students will receive expert training and opportunities to contextualise their research within the wider net zero landscape, including:

• Residential taught courses at each of the partner universities in Years 1 and 2 that provide training in the systematic considerations for industry including: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), technoeconomics, business models, policy & regulation, public engagement, plant operation.
• An international opportunity in Year 2 or 3 of the programme, including opportunities to visit a world-leading facility, conference or forum and explore the global context of industrial decarbonisation.
• A work placement with one of our industrial partners.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities, student-led activities, industry challenge sandpit, industrial site visits, and professional development opportunities.

Candidate requirements: As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 Meng, MSc, or MA with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science. Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Candidates should be aware of and meet any additional entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

Non-native English speakers must ensure they meet the English language requirements .

Enquiries and applications. Informal enquiries regarding the research project can be directed to the supervisor. Alternatively, if you have a question regarding the wider CDT-GIF programme, please contact [email protected] .

Formal applications can be made here: https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/the-programme/how-to-apply/ Applications are open until filled so we would encourage early application.

The initial application involves an application form (including a short personal statement and CV). You may select up to two CDT-GIF projects. Applicants will then be selected to interview. If successful at interview, candidates will be asked to complete the application process for the home university.

Funding notes. The programme is four years and starts in Oct 2024. Funding includes full UK fees, stipend (2024/25 stipend is £19,237 excluding London weighting), plus budget for travel and consumables. The positions are in the first instance for UK students. There are limited spaces for overseas students.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion . We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our programme values diversity as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. The CDT-GIF are committed to ensuring flexibility throughout our programme to support student’s needs and personal circumstances, for example those with medical conditions, caring responsibilities and other considerations. For example, we are open to exploring part-time options if appropriate for the nature of the research.