[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 and NOx using metal-organic framework materials

About the project

About the Project Metal–organic frameworks (MOF) materials are constructed from metal nodes bridged by organic ligands to form porous three-dimensional networks that can accommodate a range of ions and substrates. Their pore chemistry, charge, defects and flexibility can be controlled with chemical precision, giving direct control over the capture and binding of confined substrates. We have developed a range of materials that are highly stable towards the capture of CO2 and NOx substrates, and this offer a unique opportunity to design new porous photocatalysts. The high crystallinity and long-range order of MOFs enable the advanced characterisation of host-guest interactions, structures and of intermediates to give understanding at the molecular level. This interdisciplinary project brings together two groups with established expertise in catalysis (Chris Hardacre) and materials synthesis and characterisation (Martin Schröder) to develop MOFs as reductive photocatalysts for conversion of CO2 to C2+ products and NOx to N2. Previous collaborative work has confirmed the use of non-thermal plasma for reduction of NO2 using a Cu-doped MOF (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2021, 143, 10977−10985; Cell Reports Physical Science, 2021, 2, 100349) and conversion of methane to acetylene and ethylene (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2023, 145, 20792-20800). We have also established the activity of MOFs for photo-reduction of CO2 (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2026, 148, 11749-11757). This proposal will use modulation excitation, recently developed by Hardacre (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2024, 61, e202401888), to study the formation and nature of key intermediates. Modulation excitation is especially sensitive and can detect and measure changes at fractions as low as 2% of the total number of electroactive species. Thus, modulating the photoexcitation will enable measurements on intermediate species by X-ray adsorption and IR spectroscopy. We will focus on the photoactivation of (i) saturated systems to generate dynamic and transient open metal sites for catalysis (eg MFM-series of materials), (ii) doped MOFs in which active metal sites can be generated at fixed positions, and (iii) defect MOFs in which linkers are missing to generate unsaturated active sites. The project will give the student excellent training in photocatalysis and the measurements of catalytic activity and their intermediates (led by Hardacre) as well as the design, synthesis and characterisation of inorganic/organic materials and host-guest interactions (led by Schröder). This will include experiments and characterisation at National Facilities for diffraction, scattering, imaging and spectroscopic studies, particularly using excitation modulation. The ambition is to develop and understand the activity of new photochemical catalysts based upon MOFs. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here. . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Materials(or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or Materials (or international equivalent). This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoE

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