PhD Studentship
Production and Characterization of Precious and Non-Precious Nanosize Electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell Applications
Department of Chemical Engineering
Dr Paula M. Mendes and Dr Bruno G. Pollet

The University of Birmingham, Department of Chemical Engineering,
School of Engineering. Birmingham B15 2TT (U.K.)

Many analysts believe that Fuel Cell systems will be dominating the energy structure of Britain by 2050 as a result of the high efficiencies, zero emissions and easy conversions which can be attained with this novel technology. Manufacturing industry outside the chemicals sector also recognizes early markets for the fuel cell economy. Large Plcs are running major projects on components and devices for the hydrogen and fuel cell economy, while many SMEs are making the components and parts which are required in the engineering systems such as fuel cell Combined Heat Power (CHP) generators, fuel cell catalysts, hydrogen stores and gas turbine hybrids which are at the forefront of this technology.

The main objective of the PhD is to develop innovative low cost and high performance electrocatalysts for Fuel Cell applications (PEMFC, SOFC & DMFC). The project has the following integrated parts:

Production of precious and non-precious nano-size electrocatalysts by using various available methods
Complete characterization of the produced electrocatalysts
‘Real' fuel cell testing using newly developed electrocatalysts for performance and durability
Pilot plant development, scale-up and commissioning for the production of selected nano-electrocatalysts
The University of Birmingham and the West Midlands have been designated as a Science City by the UK government and have recently been awarded a multi-million pound grant to develop research into Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Energy. The work will form part of the Birmingham Science City Initiative.

If you are interested and have a 2i Honours degree or better in a relevant topic please contact Dr Paula Mendes on p.m.mendes@bham.ac.uk or Dr Bruno Pollet on b.g.pollet@bham.ac.uk