Nitrogen oxides are a pollutant produced through combustion of fuels, and cause damage to the climate and natural environment.[1] NOx emissions can be converted to valuable chemicals through electrochemical pathways,[2,3] for example, to ammonia, a chemical used primarily in fertiliser and explosives production, which is being targeted as a hydrogen carrier and clean fuel in sectors such as maritime shipping.[4]
This project focuses on developing electrocatalyst materials for the conversion of NOx species to ammonia, and testing these materials in continuous throughput electrolyser systems. The performance data will then be used to undertake technoeconomic feasibility studies, to compare the levelised cost of NOx abatement to current technologies, evaluating the future potential of the technology.
School
Chemical Engineering
Research Area
Electrochemistry | Power-to-X | Renewables
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
- The student will have the opportunity to work in the Particles and Catalysis Research Group (PartCat) under the guidance of Dr Rahman Daiyan and Dr Josh Leverett. The student will have the access to well-equipped laboratories with experimental facilities and computational tools. The student will work in a multidisciplinary research environment and learn various functional skills to facilitate future career in academic or industry.
- The student is expected to gain experience in nanomaterials synthesis and characterisation as well as electrochemical activity measurements. The project will also allow the student to work on technoeconomic assessments. The generated knowledge and data will result in a scientific journal publication. Continuing of the research as an 4th year honour thesis project is possible.
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), How and Why They Are Controlled, 1999.
- K. Chen, G. Zhang, X. Li, X. Zhao, K. Chu, Nano Res 2023, 16, 5857–5863.
- R. Hao, L. Tian, C. Wang, L. Wang, Y. Liu, G. Wang, W. Li, G. A. Ozin, Chem Catalysis 2022, 2, 622–638.
- International Energy Association, Net Zero Roadmap: A Global Pathway to Keep the 1.5 °C Goal in Reach, 2023.