HW-3-10 Development and Machine-Learning-Assisted Experimental Screening of Catalysts for the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels from Methanol

Heriot-Watt University offers a PhD project focused on developing and optimizing porous heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production from methanol. The research aims to enhance catalytic efficiency and integrate machine learning for reaction optimization. Candidates should have a relevant degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or materials science. The position is located in the United Kingdom and is not remote.
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 Description

The aviation sector faces one of the most significant challenges in the global shift towards net-zero emissions. Due to strict energy-density requirements, the complete electrification of medium- and long-haul aviation is not achievable in the near future. Therefore, the switch to sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) produced from captured CO₂ is among the most promising options for lowering the sector’s carbon footprint. However, current SAF production methods are hampered by inefficient catalytic processes and high energy consumption. Overcoming these obstacles requires advances in catalyst design, reaction engineering, and process optimisation.

Porous heterogeneous catalysts (e.g., zeolites) offer significant advantages for SAF production due to their high surface areas, tunable pore structures, and ability to stabilise active sites with molecular-level accuracy. These properties are especially advantageous for the complex reaction steps involved in SAF production.

This PhD project will focus on developing and optimising porous heterogeneous catalysts and reaction processes for SAF production. The successful candidate will collaborate with an industrial partner to convert methanol produced via the partner’s proprietary, commercialised CO₂ conversion technology into hydrocarbons suitable for SAF. The project will integrate catalyst design, synthesis, and catalytic screening within continuous-flow reactors for SAF production.

A key aspect of this studentship is the opportunity to develop and incorporate machine learning tools for reaction optimisation. By developing and combining flow chemistry reactors and analytical workstations with data-driven methods such as Bayesian optimisation, the project aims to accelerate the exploration of catalyst compositions and reaction conditions. This approach will be used to identify optimal performance regimes and structure–performance relationships more quickly, thereby enhancing catalytic efficiency for SAF production.

Supervisors
• John Andresen / cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk
• Marc Little
• Ruaraidh McIntosh

Application Criteria

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, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience etc. Candidates for socio-politico-economic research topics will also be considered with a relevant MA. 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 the entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

This PhD is suited to applicants with a background in chemistry or chemical engineering and an interest in heterogeneous catalysis and data-driven research. Candidates from related materials science disciplines will also be considered. Applicants should be motivated by sustainable energy technologies and the role of catalysis in decarbonisation, and be capable of independent research while working effectively in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams. An interest in developing expertise in flow chemistry and machine learning reaction optimisation is essential to the project’s research direction.

We invite applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and identities who are excited to be part of our supportive and inclusive research environment. The successful applicant will receive comprehensive training in catalyst design, synthesis, and screening, including data collection and interpretation, as well as in the development of machine learning models. Prior coding experience is beneficial but not required, as appropriate training will be provided.

The project will be supervised by a team with a strong track record in catalysis and materials research. Dr Marc Little is a materials chemist specialising in porous catalyst design, reaction optimisation, and the use of automation to accelerate materials discovery, testing, and scale-up. Dr Ruaraidh McIntosh is an inorganic chemist with a background in sustainable catalysis, including the use of porous materials in the capture and conversion of CO2.

Through alignment with the Green Industrial Futures CDT, the student will have access to world-class facilities at the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions at Heriot-Watt University. Additional opportunities include industry placements, tailored mentoring, and participation in national and international conferences, supporting professional development and effective engagement with academic and industrial partners.

Funding Notes

The programme is four years and starts in September 2026. Funding includes full UK fees, tax-free stipend (2025/2026 stipend is £20,780), plus budget for travel and consumables.

Enquiries

cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk

Application Web Page

https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/

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.