PhD Studentship: UKRI NetZero CDT; Industry- Nanodot Ltd.; Energy Efficient Oxyf

Net 2 Zero Centre for Doctoral Training

The EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (CDT in Net 2 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. Our four‑year doctoral programme trains the next generation of research leaders tasked with removing greenhouse gases from the environment, focusing on the use of biomass to replace fossil fuels and capture or utilisation of CO₂.

• 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 policy making.
• Carry out a training programme covering practical engineering, communication, entrepreneurship and business skills.
• Facilitate direct contact between students, industrial partners, policy makers and third‑sector organisations; opportunity for a three‑month placement with industry, research collaborators or policymakers.

Oxy‑fuel combustion with oxygen separation membranes offers an energy‑efficient and low‑cost CO₂ capture technology for fuel‑combustion‑based power plants. Mixed ionic‑electronic conductors (MIECs) can be used to manufacture dense ceramic membranes that allow oxygen ions to pass while rejecting nitrogen ions. This project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of energy‑efficient oxyfuel combustion of biomass enabled by oxygen separation membranes. Objectives include developing high‑performance, stable MIECs;

manufacturing the conductors into ceramic tube membranes; and conducting oxyfuel combustion of biomass fuels with the oxygen produced from the ceramic tube membranes.

• Ideal candidates should hold or expect to gain a first‑class or an upper second‑class honours degree (or their equivalent) or a 60% or higher weighted average MSc.
• Knowledge of ceramic manufacturing.
• Experience in characterisation of electrical properties (ionic and electronic conductivity), crystal structure and chemical composition.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of the Net 2 Zero CDT and we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in a higher education setting, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.

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

This opportunity is currently open for home fee status candidates only.