Advanced Modelling of Carbon Black Morphology in Methane Pyrolysis for CO2-Free Hydrogen Production PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Loughborough University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

28,600 Tuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

10 Feb, 2025Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

Engineering - AeronauticalMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Aeronautical

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Methane pyrolysis is a promising low-carbon method for hydrogen production, where methane decomposes into hydrogen gas and solid carbon, thus avoiding CO₂ emissions common in traditional processes like steam methane reforming. A valuable byproduct of methane pyrolysis is carbon black, a material with extensive applications in industries such as rubber, batteries, and pigments. However, controlling the morphology and quality of carbon black during pyrolysis is challenging due to the complexity of particle formation dynamics. This project aims to develop an advanced modelling approach to accurately simulate and optimise carbon black characteristics, enabling high-value carbon production and clean hydrogen generation.
The project will leverage computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model methane pyrolysis across varying temperatures and pressures, aiming to accurately simulate conditions that produce desirable carbon black characteristics, such as particle size, shape, and surface area. The project will examine the growth kinetics of carbon black particles by integrating nucleation and aggregation models, thereby understanding how different operational parameters impact particle morphology and quality. Ultimately, the project will utilize the model to identify optimal pyrolysis conditions for producing carbon black with precise characteristics, examining factors like temperature gradients, residence time, and feedstock purity.
The research is expected to deliver a scalable, precise model that can predict and control carbon black morphology in methane pyrolysis, aligning with industry standards. This work will maximise the commercial value of carbon byproducts while promoting sustainable hydrogen production. It will also establish a framework for scaling methane pyrolysis as a low-emission hydrogen pathway, benefiting both the hydrogen economy and carbon black industries. The applicant will work in Dr Lu Tian’s group at Loughborough University and will have opportunities to collaborate with world-leading academic institutions, such as, Imperial College London and Princeton University. 

Programme overview

Main Subject

Engineering - Aeronautical

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Methane pyrolysis is a promising low-carbon method for hydrogen production, where methane decomposes into hydrogen gas and solid carbon, thus avoiding CO₂ emissions common in traditional processes like steam methane reforming. A valuable byproduct of methane pyrolysis is carbon black, a material with extensive applications in industries such as rubber, batteries, and pigments. However, controlling the morphology and quality of carbon black during pyrolysis is challenging due to the complexity of particle formation dynamics. This project aims to develop an advanced modelling approach to accurately simulate and optimise carbon black characteristics, enabling high-value carbon production and clean hydrogen generation.
The project will leverage computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model methane pyrolysis across varying temperatures and pressures, aiming to accurately simulate conditions that produce desirable carbon black characteristics, such as particle size, shape, and surface area. The project will examine the growth kinetics of carbon black particles by integrating nucleation and aggregation models, thereby understanding how different operational parameters impact particle morphology and quality. Ultimately, the project will utilize the model to identify optimal pyrolysis conditions for producing carbon black with precise characteristics, examining factors like temperature gradients, residence time, and feedstock purity.
The research is expected to deliver a scalable, precise model that can predict and control carbon black morphology in methane pyrolysis, aligning with industry standards. This work will maximise the commercial value of carbon byproducts while promoting sustainable hydrogen production. It will also establish a framework for scaling methane pyrolysis as a low-emission hydrogen pathway, benefiting both the hydrogen economy and carbon black industries. The applicant will work in Dr Lu Tian’s group at Loughborough University and will have opportunities to collaborate with world-leading academic institutions, such as, Imperial College London and Princeton University. 

Admission Requirements

3.2+
6.5+
92+

10 Feb 2025
3 Years
Oct

Tuition fees

International
28,600

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