PhD Studentship: Breakthrough Catalytic Materials and Process for Integrated carbon Capture and Conversion to Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals

The University of Birmingham offers a fully funded PhD studentship focused on developing catalytic materials and processes for CO₂ capture and conversion into sustainable fuels and chemicals. Candidates should have a background in materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields, along with laboratory experience. The project emphasizes interdisciplinary research and collaboration, contributing to circular economy principles and carbon neutrality. Applications are open to UK/Home applicants.
The global transition to a low-carbon economy demands innovative approaches to managing CO₂ emissions. This PhD project addresses one of the most pressing challenges in sustainable chemistry: the capture and catalytic conversion of CO₂ into high-value fuels and chemicals. By closing the carbon loop, this work contributes directly to circular economy principles and the broader goal of carbon neutrality.


Rather than treating CO₂ purely as a waste product, this project investigates its potential as a renewable feedstock. The successful candidate will develop and study advanced catalysts and processes to drive the selective conversion of captured CO₂ into targeted valuable products, such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), methanol, ethylene, or polymer precursors. This multidisciplinary research sits at the interface of materials science, heterogeneous catalysis, and chemical engineering.


Key areas


The project will engage with one or more of the following interconnected research topics:



Power-to-X CO₂ Conversion
Electro-fuels (e-fuels) and electro-chemicals (e-chemicals) via renewable-electricity-driven processes
Thermo-catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ to methanol, hydrocarbons, and oxygenates
Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (eCO₂R) and CO₂ electrolysis
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) reduction of CO₂ using solar-driven catalysts
Dual-functional materials (DFMs) for integrated CO₂ capture and in-situ conversion

Candidate requirements


We welcome applications from motivated candidates with the following background:



A BSc or MEng/MSc degree (or equivalent) in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, energy, or a closely related discipline
Hands-on laboratory experience in porous material synthesis, physicochemical characterisation, and/or gas adsorption measurements is a strong advantage
A track record of research engagement and the ability to communicate findings effectively in written and oral formats
Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration and the capacity to work productively within a diverse international team

What we offer


Successful candidates will benefit from:



Access to state-of-the-art synthesis laboratories and advanced adsorption and catalysts characterisation facilities
An intellectually vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
Dedicated professional development training in research communication, scientific writing, data analysis, and project management
Opportunities to present work at national and international conferences and to collaborate with academic and industry partners

How to apply


To apply, please compile the following documents into a single PDF and submit by email at c.sun.2@bham.ac.uk:



A cover letter describing your research motivation and suitability for the project (maximum two pages)
A full curriculum vitae including academic background, publications (if any), and relevant research experience
Official academic transcripts for all completed and in-progress degrees
Contact details (name, position, institution, and email) for two academic or professional referees

Funding Notes


This is a fully funded three-year PhD studentship open to UK/Home applicants, covering tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend at the standard UKRI rate. Exceptionally well-qualified international applicants are also encouraged to apply and may be considered for funding subject to availability.