About the project
This project is well-suited to those with strong skills and a keen interest in analytical chemistry, and its application to the petrochemical industry. An interest in analytical and physical-organic chemistry is desirable.
Climate change and mitigation have been in the focus of public interest, but also in the focus of energy policy in recent years. The drive to allow carbon economy has not only seen the introduction of electric powertrains but also a number of new sustainable fuels based on a variety of sources including water and air, waste and plant material. These new fuels will be part of the energy mix with traditional hydrocarbons that will sustain passenger vehicle, heavy duty, marine and static engine applications.
Fuel is a complex mixture and in both its single and mixed forms it needs to be fully characterised to allow emission mitigation strategies to be developed to allow modern powertrains to run at peak efficiency. This study will employ a wide range of hyphenated high-resolution chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques to characterise the constituents of fuels, fuel deposit precursors and deposits that have a detrimental effect on modern powertrains. The work will involve both 1D and 2D chromatographic systems coupled to mass spectrometry. You will use these unique instrumentation configurations along with mass spectrometry. We will provide training in investigating complex systems.
By working with Innospec the student will have access to additional instrumentation not available at Southampton. They will spend time with the industrial partner as defined during the project, and will assess the transferability of their findings with the research teams at Innospec. The student will be expected to present poster and oral presentations at national and international conferences.
