Understanding structure-transport relationships in heterogeneous catalysts using magnetic resonance techniques

The overall aim of this project is to develop new techniques that lead to better performing heterogeneous catalyst products, which are applied in many gas-phase processes, such as production of fuels, chemical intermediates and biomass conversion. The global catalyst market size is valued at USD 33.9 billion and is a rapidly-expanding, international, high-technology industry expected to grow at 4.4% pa from 2020 to 2027. However, the performance of many types of current catalyst is restricted by mass transport limitations, on reactants diffusing into the pellet, controlling overall rates of reaction. New developments in catalysts are driven by the introduction of new technologies to aid catalyst product design. This project will employ sophisticated techniques, including hyperpolarized xenon gas-phase MRI (as used in medical lung imaging) and NMR cryodiffusometry, to make a step-change in catalyst products via better understanding the relationship between pellet pore structures and mass transport rates within them. This will enable the design and optimization of better catalyst supports, and inform the improvement of the plant fabrication process. Students will also be trained in core characterization techniques, such as gas sorption and mercury porosimetry, commonly used in many industries involving porous media.
This project is a collaboration between the University of Nottingham, UK, and the Institut Français du Pétrole Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) in Lyon, France. Hence, the student will have the opportunity for visits to, and placements at, IFPEN labs in France, which will enable them to obtain experience of international, industrial catalyst development firsthand. In Nottingham, the student will work in the world-class facilities of the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre and the GAAS laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering.

Keywords: Characterisation, Heterogeneous catalysis, Diffusion, MRI, Porous media 

• Academic supervisor    Professor Sean RIGBY, University of Nottingham, UK 
• Doctoral School    University of Nottingham, Faculty of Engineering, Chemical, Environmental and Biotech - The University of Nottingham
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr. Christophe VALLEE, Research Engineer, Materials Characterisation Department
• PhD location    University of Nottingham, UK and IFP Energies nouvelles, Lyon, France 
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in fourth quarter 2021
• Employer    IFP Energies nouvelles, Lyon, France
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Sciences, Chemical Sciences, or Physical sciences 
• Language requirements    Fluency in English, willingness to learn French
• Other requirements    Characterisation of (porous) solids, analytical methods