Transition Metal Dichalcogenides of Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Transition Metal Dichalcogenides of Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

This project is one of a number that are in competition for up to four funded studentships.

Home institution: University of Bath

Supervisor(s) at Monash: Dr Cameron Bentley, Prof Jie Zhang

Over thirty years ago, hydrogen was identified as “a critical and indispensable element of a decarbonised, sustainable energy system” to provide secure, cost-effective and non-polluting energy. However, there is no naturally occurring H₂ source on earth, and it must be obtained through energy-intensive processes such as the electrolysis of water. Indeed, electrolytic water splitting is one of the most effective and environmentally friendly techniques for large-scale hydrogen production. It consists of two reactions: the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the cathode and anode, respectively.

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS₂, MoSe₂, and WS₂, are several members of a family of compounds that show comparable HER activities to that of noble metal catalysts, and as such represent promising, low-cost, and abundant alternatives to expensive noble metals for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A challenge for realizing TMDs-based electrocatalysts is the scalable synthesis of high-quality TMDs.

In this project, we wish to tackle the development of new OER and HER materials in tandem, optimizing material efficiency, matching the band gap of materials, and maximizing the catalytic surface area. We will build on an already strong relationship between Monash and Bath, using our proof-of-concept experiments as a basis for our ongoing work, screening our established precursor systems for the development of next-generation TMD-based water splitting materials.

The project is divided into three parts: (A) a materials production part focusing on selected aspects of precursor development for specific materials, such as MoS₂, using either Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AA-CVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) or electrodeposition; (B) the electrochemical characterization with photo-electrochemical methods in Bath; and (C) photocatalysis and electrocatalysis studies with advanced spatiotemporal electrochemical techniques at Monash. Specifically, in part (C), the cutting-edge methods of Fourier Transformed alternating current voltammetry (FTac voltammetry) and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) will be used for the in-situ identification/characterization of photo-catalytic active sites in time and space, respectively focusing on structure-activity relationships.

The project is highly interdisciplinary and candidates with a background in either inorganic synthesis, materials science, water splitting, or photovoltaics are welcome.

To apply:

We invite applications from Science and Engineering graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class degree and have a strong interest in Sustainable & Circular Technologies.

You need to express an interest in three projects in order of preference.

Please submit your application to the Home institution of your preferred project. You should note, however, that you are applying for a joint PhD programme and applications will be processed as such.

When completing the application form, please:

1. In the Funding your studies section, select ‘Bath-Monash Studentship’ as the studentship for which you are applying.
2. In the Your PhD project section, quote the project title of this project and the name of the lead supervisor in the appropriate boxes.

More information on applying to Bath may be found here.

If the Home institution of your preferred project is Monash, apply here.

Bath Monash PhD studentships include tuition fee sponsorship and a living allowance (stipend) for up to 42 months maximum. Non-Australian nationals studying in Australia will be required to pay their own Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

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