PhD Research Studentships
Mitigation of radical chain reactions in dense-phase CO2 streams by neutralizing NO2 via methanol and ammonia
| Supervisor: | Radomir SLAVCHOV |
| Apply by: | 19 January 2026 |
| Start in: | April (Semester 3) |
Description
Background
Large-scale projects for carbon capture and storage (CCS) are a vital component of humanity’s effort to mitigate climate change. The predicted scale is enormous (5-10 Gtonne/y of CO2 sequestrated by 2050), and is only achievable through large infrastructure used by many emitters simultaneously (the so-called hub CCS projects – transport networks and injection facilities). Each CO2 stream produced by each emitter carries a specific spectrum of impurities – NOx, SOx, CH3OH etc. Upon mixing of the streams, the impurities react with each other and produce dangerous products – H2SO4, HNO3, hygroscopic salts – that result in unacceptable corrosion rates. To control the corrosion, the emitters are currently required to purify the CO2 stream to unprecedented extent, which is expensive. We must develop alternative ways to avoid corrosion to make CCS affordable to more emitters.
Project is funded by industrial partners Shell and TWI.
Objectives
The aim of this PhD studentship is to investigate the mechanisms of the reactions that lead to corrosion and, possibly, to develop methodologies to mitigate these processes. The particular focus is competitive oxidation in mixtures of NOx, SOx, H2S and CH3OH dissolved in CO2.
The studentship is focussed on modelling work mainly (reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, solvent effects), but it will involve analysis of experimental data by our partners, and – if the student wants to – actual experimental work. The expected outcome of this project is a tool to simulate the radical chain reactions between the impurities.
The skills required from you
Candidates with a background in chemistry, physics and chemical engineering are welcome to apply. A good understanding of chemical kinetics is required. Some experience with computer algebra packages (Maple, Mathematica, Python) is a plus. Most important is your enthusiasm.
Your prospects
CCS is going to become one of the top 10 processes by capacity in the next 20 years. There is already hunger for specialists in this field. Therefore, by the time you finish your PhD, you will be a highly valued expert in a major new industry.
Funding
Funded by: SEMSA stipend is available for 4 years , QMUL stipend rate is £21,874 p.a;
Project is funded by industrial partners Shell and TWI.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in April (Semester 3).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Radomir SLAVCHOV.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 3 / April start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-711" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Chemistry - Other, Industrial Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Physics |