GIF CDT: A Novel Gas/Liquid contactor for Direct Air Capture and industrial CO2 capture technologies

The University of Sheffield is seeking candidates for a project within the Green Industrial Futures Centre for Doctoral Training (GIF CDT) focusing on gas/liquid contactor technologies for CO2 capture. The role involves experimental data collection and process optimization in collaboration with Total Energies. Candidates should have relevant degrees in engineering or chemistry. Applications are encouraged early, and non-UK applicants may face delays in recruitment decisions.
The Green Industrial Futures Centre for Doctoral Training (GIF CDT) is inviting applications for the following project. This advert will close when a suitable candidate is identified, so early application is encouraged.

The CDT boasts an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers, in addition to the main area of research, including:
• Residential taught training courses at each of the partner universities to contextualise your research within the wider net zero industrial landscape.
• An industry challenge project with one of our industrial partners.
• An international opportunity in year 2 or 3 of the degree, with the option for a second international visit in year 3.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities.

More information about the CDT can be found here.

Project

The project aims to design and optimise a novel concept for contacting the combustion gases of gas turbines with solvents used for CO2 capture. It uses a first of a kind prototype system to obtain experimental data, combine the data with process modelling and scale up towards a commercial design. A second application is the removal of carbon dioxide from the air, a core technology of a $3.5 billion US government programme to establish four regional Direct Air Capture hubs across the country. This project has three objectives:
• Generate data on the pressure drop, hydrodynamics and mass transfer of novel packing geometries used for contacting ambient air/industrial gases with CO2 capture solvents.
• Characterise the operation of the prototype contactor for a range of CO2 capture solvent physical properties, such as density, viscosity and surface tension.
• Develop engineering guidelines for process optimisation and scale-up with an open-access solvent supported by new packing data from this project.

Industrial Partner

This project offers a unique opportunity for collaboration with Total Energies Research & Development. You will work closely with industry experts to identify critical barriers and opportunities to ensure your project contributes towards ‘real world’ solutions.

Candidate Requirements

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

Non-UK applicants

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Due to funding restrictions, please note that no decision on the recruitment of non-UK applicants will be made until the first quarter of 2025.

Supervisors

Professor Mathieu Lucquiaud, Prof Jon Gibbins (https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/energy/people)

Enquiries and Applications

Please make a formal application via the University of Sheffield’s online application form. Please ensure that you select the correct project and/or CDT-GIF options. For more information about the application process, visit the University of Sheffield’s ‘How to apply’ webpage.