Energy research within in the department of Chemistry

Our research within this remit employs a broad range of approaches to the question of energy, from the theoretical through to the decidedly practical.  In the course of this work we have forged strong links with other departments at Loughborough, other universities, industrial companies, government organisations and major funding bodies. Further general information on activities within this Group can be obtained by contacting the Group Leader, Dr Upul Wijayantha.

With respect to the recent announcement of University studentships, we have a large range of potential projects on offer.  A selection of these are listed below.  Before reading them please bear in mind a few points:

• This  list is not absolutely definitive and if you have an interest in the work of an individual member of staff here at Loughborough then please feel free to contact them directly.
• Further information on the work of the member of staff associated with each project can be obtained from the links to individual's home pages.  Specific information on the projects in question can be obtained from the staff member in question by email request or phone.  Please remember, though, that for things to progress a general application form must be filled in and this can be obtained by contacting Dr George Weaver. Remember also that this current initiative is competitive, and funding for projects is not guaranteed; note also such funding is limited to UK/EU students only.
• Often the projects listed are actually collaborative ventures involving a number of members of staff from Chemistry and, in some cases, other departments at Loughborough.  In addition, in some cases the work will span more than one of our Research Groups, and has been placed within “Energy” as this is maybe the primary focus.  The staff member mentioned is, though, the best port of call for preliminary enquiries.

Potential PhD projects include:

Professor Stephen Fletcher

• The Quantum Theory of Electron Transfer

This project involves the application of quantum theory to the elementary act of electron transfer between molecules. The work involves both theory and experiment. The goal is to understand what processes trigger electron transfer in electrochemical systems, and ultimately in living beings.

Dr Paul Kelly

• Novel electrodes for energy applications made from the polymeric metal (SN)x

Collaborative work with the deptartment of Materials will look at utilising this fascinating material. The study comprises two main areas of investigation: (i) Planar electrodes for use in thin-film organic devices such as photovoltaics and (ii) the templated growth of (SN)x within channels in zeolite structures, which could yield 1-D wires and very high surface area electrodes for use in energy generation/storage applications.

Dr Upul Wijayantha

• Utilisation of CO₂ Using Sunlight-Driven Electrosynthesis

In 2004, the UK produced 2% of global CO₂ emissions, in the region of 151 million tonnes of carbon in one year. In its energy white paper, published in 2003, the government agreed to combat climate change by reducing UK carbon emissions by at least 60% before 2050. The chemical reduction of CO₂ has received considerable interest in the last few years, both as a method for recycling CO₂ in industrial waste streams and as well as a route to useful chemical products. This cross-disciplinary (also involving Ben Buckley), collaborative project will bring together physical chemistry (semiconductor photoelectrochemistry) and organic chemistry (electrosynthetic chemistry) in order to exploit initial findings within the group, with the ultimate aim of assembling an integrated device for CO₂ capture.

• Novel Exitonic Solar Cell Development

Recently a range of solar cell structures similar to nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell, containing ‘electron transport phase | light harvester | hole transport phase’ has been proposed (ie extremely thin absorber-layer (ETA) solar cells, Q-dot sensitized solar cells, Tandem Solar Cells). These solar cell structures in which the charge generation takes place at the heterointerface and subsequently separate to the adjacent electron and hole transporting phases are commonly known as ‘Excitonic Solar Cells’. Our present work is centered on developing such solar cells and improving their performance. We also work with industry to design and construct flexible, light-weight and low-cost solar cells.    

• Light-driven H₂ Generation

Hydrogen is poised to become the clean non-fossil fuel of the future, provided that it can be generated using the world’s most abundant energy source, the sun, and stored and transported safely. Surprisingly, only less than 2 % of the world’s energy demand (around 13 terawatts) is met by solar energy, and the enormous potential of use of solar energy remains largely untapped. Hence, there is a pressing need of conducting advanced research aimed at developing efficient systems for sunlight to hydrogen conversion and storage and realising the solar hydrogen technology. Light-driven H₂ generation (photoelectrochemical water splitting) is more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable way to produce clean-hydrogen fuel. A typical photoelectrochemical cell consists of three main components, a hydrogen-evolving electrode, an oxygen-evolving electrode and an aqueous electrolyte which acts as the chemical feedstock. A key advantage of this technology is it provides a flatform to generate hydrogen on demand during the day light thereby reducing the stringent requirements of hydrogen  transport and storage. We are one of the few groups in the UK actively in all aspect of research in this area, ie new semiconductor material design and synthesis, altering the properties of existing semiconductor materials, developing new deposition techniques, investigation of light harvesting, studying interfacial charge separation & transfer, charge transport (electron/hole transport) properties within semiconductors. This is a collaborative project with Professor Vickie McKee.

• Solar Assisted CO₂ Reduction

The chemical reduction of CO₂ has received considerable interest in the last few years, both as a method for recycling CO₂ in industrial waste streams and as well as a route to useful chemical products. Several methods have been investigated including electrochemical reduction (direct and catalytic) and direct photochemical reduction of CO₂.  Renewable electricity has become synonymous with CO₂ reduction. Recently, a significant interest has been paid to couple the renewable energy generation and CO₂ reduction together. Reduction of CO₂ via electrosynthetic methods using solar energy is a potential way of harnessing sunlight while reducing CO₂ at the same time. The ongoing collaborative research efforts between Upul Wijayantha and Ben Buckley are aimed toward realising this goal.

• Advanced Methods for Preparation Nanostructured Electrodes

Nanostructured materials that are increasingly rich in inorganic compositions and multifunctionality will make a decisive impact either directly or indirectly in future advanced applications in existing fields as well as emerging fields. These needs require multidisciplinary and forward-thinking approaches. Our work in this area is focused on synthesizing and tailoring materials with controlled processes using a range of advanced techniques.

• Electrochemical Devices for Energy Generation and Storage

Professor Ray Jones

• N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) as CO₂ Trapping and Delivery Agents

Recently, NHCs have been investigated as carbon dioxide capture and delivery agents. This joint project with Ben Buckley will develop a new route to 2- carboxydihydroimidazoles and look at their potential as CO₂ delivery molecules.

 

Dr Sian Williams

• Photoinduced electron transfer in thin films

Charge separation and movement of electrons and holes on surfaces is key to the understanding of solar cells, photocatalysts etc. This project will involve the study of charged species and their mobility on oxide thin films.