Chemistry Work Experience
Zero Petroleum – Synthetic Fuel Company
- Worked with the chemistry team on research related to synthetic fuel production from captured CO₂ and hydrogen, focusing on catalytic reactions used to produce syngas.
- Conducted literature research on the Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) reaction, which converts CO₂ and H₂ into CO for downstream fuel synthesis.
- Reviewed research on Fe-based catalysts operating at ~600 ºC, analysing catalytic activity, stability, and reaction mechanisms.
- Designed a conceptual fixed-bed reactor for RWGS, selecting catalyst systems and operating conditions based on research findings.
- Assisted laboratory work including catalyst preparation, reactor loading, and experimental monitoring.
- Processed experimental data in Excel, analysing reaction outputs and conversion rates.
- Observed analytical techniques including GC–MS used to determine fuel composition.
- Learned how the full process integrates CO₂ capture, hydrogen production via electrolysis, syngas generation, and Fischer–Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis.
- Presented conclusions from my project and feedback on the internship in a final team meeting.