PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering

The EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (CDT in Net2

Zero) 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. This four-year doctoral programme is training the next generation of research leaders tasked with removing greenhouse gases from the environment. The CDT in Net2

Zero 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
• Biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)
• Develop a network with doctoral researchers, academia, government and industry
• Access cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for international collaboration, preparing for a successful career in academia, industry, or policy making
• Carry out a training programme covering practical engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills to prepare students for diverse sectors
• Engage directly with industrial partners, policymakers, and third-sector organisations to support future careers
• Undertake a three‑month placement with industry, research collaborators, or policymakers
• In collaboration with a commercial laboratory furnace manufacturer, conceptually design a laboratory‑scale electrically heated furnace that can house the multifunctional reactor
• Design and work with university engineering technicians to manufacture at least two types (fluidised bed and fixed bed) of laboratory‑scale reactors to produce biochar and evaluate BECCS technology based on calcium‑based and other solid sorbents
• Conduct biochar production tests using a multifunctional reactor system with a range of biomass feed stocks and characterise biochar properties (e.g., pore size distribution, porosity) using analytical equipment (e.g., BET, SEM, XRD, TGA) available at the University of Nottingham
• Conduct CO2 capture tests using calcium‑based sorbents (high temperatures) and other solid sorbents (including biochar‑derived sorbents) (low temperatures), using simulated CO2‑containing gaseous mixtures in phase 1 and real CO2‑containing flue gases in phase 2

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first‑class or upper second‑class honours degree (or equivalent) in one of the following:

• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Sciences
• Chemistry
• Or a closely related subject

Advantages:

• Previous design and operational experience with fluidised bed reactors at any scale
• Academic background, including transcripts and certificates
• English language evidence (if applicable; may be submitted later)
• Research background and experience

Expressions of Interest will be assessed based on:

• Candidate's motivation and experience, and alignment with the Net2
  
  Zero CDT programme goals
• Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to meet potential supervisors

Benefits:

• Four‑year studentship with a tax‑free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,383 per year for 2026/27)
• Paid tuition fees
• Generous research training support grant