Understanding of Metal Clusters/Nanoparticles Supported on Hierarchical Zeolites for Heterogeneous Catalytic Processes

About this opportunity

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and conversion, along with hydrogen from renewable resources, provide a powerful approach for the synthesis of fuels or chemicals for a sustainable circular CO₂ economy. This process largely relies on heterogeneous catalysis processes because of their technical and economic advantages. However, the development of more efficient catalysts in terms of activity, selectivity, and stability is still required to meet a more sustainable development. In the specific case of CO₂ hydrogenation over zeolite-supported metal clusters/nanoparticles, topology, catalytic active sites and metal-zeolite interactions are key variables to the catalyst performances. In this respect, the observation and determination of the fate of chemical reaction intermediates allow understanding of the catalytic processes in a chemically understandable manner, specifically deactivation pathways, leading to materials design with improved performances.

 

This PhD project will explore the opportunities available in synchrotron X-ray based methods and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRS) to capture the formation and structure of key reaction intermediates and their structural changes during the catalytic process. The work builds on the strong multidisciplinary expertise and track record of the supervisors at NTHU and the University of Liverpool, enabling the deployment of advanced characterisation tools for understanding chemical processes. This studentship will allow a highly motivated candidate to participate in the development of those tools offering a unique research profile. The successful applicant will join international research teams that will provide complete student training, skills and development, ensuring strong employability and will have access to laboratory space for chemical synthesis, computation, and international research infrastructures such as the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC) in Taiwan, state-of-the-art local NMR facilities and the UK High-Field Solid-State NMR Facility.

 

This PhD is delivered through the dual NTHU – University of Liverpool programme. The first two years will be spent at Chemistry at NTHU (Prof. Chia-Min Yang) and the following two years at Chemistry at Liverpool (Prof. Frédéric Blanc). This collaboration showcases strong complementary expertise and offers a unique opportunity to access research infrastructures between the two institutions and beyond the ones available at either NTHU or Liverpool individually.

Who is this for?

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or closely related subject. The candidate should be highly motivated, curious, have competent English communication skills, computer skills and be able to work both as part of a team and independently.

Funding your PhD

This project is a part of a 4-year dual PhD programme between NTHU in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. It is planned that students will spend 2 years at NTHU, followed by 2 years at the University of Liverpool.

Both NTHU and the University of Liverpool and have agreed to waive the tuition fees for the duration of the project and provide a maintenance stipend to support living costs. During the 2 years based in Taiwan, students will receive TWD 15,233/month as a contribution to living costs. During the 2 years based in Liverpool, students will receive a stipend at the standard UKRI Studentship rate, for 2025-26 this is £20,780 per year and this rises with inflation each year.

This Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

These Studentships are available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. A limited number of scholarships will be available to support outstanding international students.

We want all our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, if you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.