Porosity–Acidity Interactions in Zeolite Catalysts for Aqueous-Phase Conversion of Sugars to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

About the project

About the Project Poly, di and monosaccharides are important sustainable feedstocks in the production of biomass-derived fuels and chemicals. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) represents a key product in the conversion of these, being a key platform chemical which enables diverse subsequent chemical transformations that yield numerous different chemical species. Within such multi-step processes, catalytic dehydration of fructose is the final step in HMF production and thus is key to the overall process. Zeolite catalysts are attractive materials for this transformation because their well-defined pore structures and tunable acidity can strongly influence catalytic activity, selectivity, and transport behaviour under aqueous-phase reaction conditions. However, despite extensive studies, the fundamental relationships between zeolite porosity, acidic site properties, and reaction pathways remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the formation of undesired side-products such as levulinic acid and humins. This PhD project will investigate how zeolite framework topology, hierarchical porosity, and acidity govern the aqueous-phase catalytic conversion of sugars to HMF. A series of zeolite catalysts with systematically varied pore structures and acid site distributions will be synthesised and comprehensively characterised using advanced techniques including electron microscopy, pore network imaging, spectroscopy, acidity measurements, and transport analysis. These structural insights will be correlated with detailed catalytic activity and selectivity studies to elucidate the true nature and accessibility of acidic sites responsible for dehydration reactions. In parallel, kinetic studies will be performed to quantify reaction rates, activation energies, and transport limitations under relevant reaction conditions. The resulting experimental and kinetic data will provide key input parameters for reactive transport first-principles kinetic Monte Carlo (rt-1p-kMC) modelling, enabling multiscale understanding of the interplay between reaction and diffusion processes within porous catalytic structures. The project aims to establish mechanistic design principles for next-generation zeolite catalysts for selective biomass valorisation. Eligibility Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Funding This 3.5 year PhD is for self funded students or those with external funding. At Manchester we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers applying for competition and self-funded projects. For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for. We recommend that you apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled. Before you apply We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. How to apply Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress curriculum vitae Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it). Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference) English Language certificate (if applicable) If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk . Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

Research areas