Funding
Funded
Catalytic Decomposition of Methane for Hydrogen Production
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD
Reference Number
Net2Zero CDT
Application Deadline
None specified
Start Date
5 January 2026
Overview
The EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (CDT in Net2Zero) is an equal partnership between Aston University (lead), University of Nottingham, Queen’s University Belfast, and University of Warwick. Through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration, this CDT aims to tackle global challenges related to climate change and sustainability. Our four-year doctoral programme is training the next generation of research leaders tasked to remove greenhouse gases from the environment. The CDT in Net2Zero focuses on the use of biomass to replace fossil fuels and removal (or capture) of CO2 from the atmosphere, with the potential to create new sources of fuels and chemicals. The centre’s expertise covers Direct Air Capture and CO2 Storage (DACCS), CO2 utilisation, biochar synthesis and utilisation, biomass transition to materials and chemicals, and biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) etc. Through our research training programme, you will be able to • develop a network with doctoral researchers, academia, government and industry. • Access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for international collaboration, preparing you for a successful career in academia, industry, or policymaking. • Carry out a training programme covering practical engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills to prepare students for diverse sectors. • The CDT facilitates direct contact between students, industrial partners, policy makers, and third sector organisations to support future careers. You will have the opportunity of a three month placement with industry, research collaborators or policymakers.
Hydrogen plays a vital role in achieving a net-zero energy system, offering a clean energy carrier for sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. However, current hydrogen production methods either rely on fossil fuels or are costly at scale.
This project aims to develop a CO2-free and cost-effective route for hydrogen production via the catalytic decomposition of methane, producing hydrogen and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions.
The research will explore:
• Material development and preparation of magnetic catalytic nanoparticles.
• Reactor design and optimisation for induction heating.
• Catalyst characterisation and performance testing under realistic operating conditions.
• Investigation of carbon by-products for potential value-added applications.
This innovative approach provides a pathway toward efficient, scalable hydrogen generation while contributing to global decarbonisation goals.
Industrial Partnership:
The project is supported by BSH Limited, specialists in hydrogen and low-carbon energy systems. BSH will provide in-kind support through guidance, mentorship, and access to practical training opportunities, ensuring the research is aligned with real-world industrial applications.
This opportunity is for home fee status candidates only. Candidates must meet one of the following:
• Be a UK National or,
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
• Be an Irish National.
Essential:
• A first-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of catalysis and reaction engineering, particularly heterogeneous catalysis.
• Understanding of energy systems or hydrogen production technologies relevant to net-zero goals.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in material synthesis, catalyst testing, or reaction experimentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for sustainability, clean energy, and carbon reduction technologies.
Desirable:
• Experience with material characterisation techniques.
• Familiarity with reactor design, process modelling, or catalyst optimisation.
• Understanding of induction heating systems and magnetic nanoparticle behaviour.
• Experience working in industrial or applied research environments.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools or programming languages.
DO NOT APPLY VIA THE QUB PORTAL. Apply for this position here https://forms.gle/QFpMgkwHq89cpn34A
Funding Information
This opportunity is exclusively available to candidates who qualify for Home fees. Candidates must meet one of the following:
• Be a UK National or,
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
• Be an Irish National.
Contact information
For enquiries about this project, please contact the Net2Zero CDT team cdt_net2zero@aston.ac.uk
Submitting an Expression of Interest
When submitting the Expression of Interest we will need some information from you, we will be asking about:
1. Your personal details for processing the application.
2. A copy of your passport and, where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.
3. Your personal characteristics, for monitoring purposes only.
4. Your Academic background. We will require English language copies (or screen captures) of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
5. If English is not your first language, you will be required to present evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. You can submit the evidence at a later stage.
6. Your research background and experience.
7. Expressions of interest will be assessed against the following criteria:
a. Candidate’s motivation and experience: The extent to which the candidate’s expertise, experience, and ambitions align with the goals of the Net2Zero CDT programme.
b. If you are shortlisted, you will have the opportunity to meet the potential supervisors.
If after formal interviews, you are offered a place in the training programme, you will be required to submit a formal application within the Home Institution (Aston University, University or Nottingham, University or Warwick or The Queen’s University of Belfast)
DO NOT APPLY VIA THE QUB PORTAL. Apply for this position here https://forms.gle/QFpMgkwHq89cpn34A
(You only need to submit one Expression of Interest regardless of the number of projects you are interested on)
These studentships are open until filled, and hence early applications are strongly encouraged.
Project Summary
Supervisor
Dr Liyuan Fan
Mode of Study
Full-time: 4 years
Funding Body
Net2Zero Centre for Doctoral Training
Chemical Engineering overview
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering aims to promote sustainable processes and materials to meet the energy and healthcare demands of the future. The School is expanding rapidly and this is creating many new and exciting research opportunities with over £15m being invested to develop and expand the core research areas of catalysis, biological and medicinal chemistry, and materials.
Mode of study / duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).
Key Facts
Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities
- QUB is ranked 199th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026
QUB is ranked =13th in the UK for research intensity
QUB is ranked joint 6th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2025) - Over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021
88% of research submitted by Queen’s has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021 - 83% of Research Impact case studies by the School has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent REF2021, placing it among the top UK universities for Research Impact
Course content
Research Information
Associated Research
Much of our research falls under the broad headings of Healthcare and Sustainability, examples of recent funded projects include development of novel antibiotics and reduction of single use plastics. The School also leads the EU-funded Bryden Centre for renewable energy research, the industry-led Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) as well as our world-leading QUILL ionic liquids research centre. Students trained in our School are equipped with the skills that allow them to go out and make a real difference in the world.
Our areas of interest include adventurous research at the cutting edge of catalysis (where chemistry meets other disciplines, especially engineering, innovative Molecular Materials and Functional Materials), ionic liquid technology (‘super solvents' which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) and Synthesis and Biological Organic Chemistry (working to deliver compounds addressing the regulation of cellular functions).
QUILL (Queen's University Ionic Liquid Laboratories): the largest multidisciplinary research group in the world centred on ionic liquid technology, whose work on ‘super solvents' (which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) was voted ‘Most Important British Innovation of the 21st Century' in 2013.
All of our research groups have significant links with researchers and institutions globally, and there are opportunities for collaboration, study visits, etc.
We have extensive links with industry, meaning that employment prospects for our graduates are excellent.
Much of our research is interdisciplinary, and our students can broaden their experience and knowledge by working with researchers from other disciplines (eg biologists, physicists).
Career Prospects
Introduction
For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk.
Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.
People teaching you
Professor John Holbrey
Director of Postgraduates
Chemistry&Chemical Engineering
Email: J.Holbrey@qub.ac.uk
Course structure
-Entrance requirements
Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC |
| EU Other 3 | £28,000 |
| International | £28,000 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Chemical Engineering costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.