CDT PhD Studentship: Sustainable fuels and platform chemicals from renewable sources
Programme Length: Four years
Start Date: 1 October 2024
About the Project
An exciting opportunity is available for a talented and motivated PhD candidate to pursue research on production of sustainable fuels and biochemicals from renewable biomass sources.
The project will support the move from society’s reliance on fossil fuels to a circular economy, where we produce the fuels and chemicals we need from renewable resources. One example is the patented PYROCHEMY® pyrolysis technology developed by PyroGenesys LTD to enable rural communities to become net exporters of carbon-negative, circular economy goods & services by converting their agricultural waste to bioenergy, biofuels and biochar-based biofertilisers. Nigeria, an early PYROCHEMY® adopter, produces over 25m tonnes of cassava, rice and maize residues per year, embodying 18 TWh of renewable energy potential (equivalent to 2 GW of power generation) and around 16 million tonnes of biochar carbon removal potential.
The project will explore novel technological routes to upgrade bio-oils produced from globally available agri-waste feedstocks using the PYROCHEMY® process. Specifically, microwave-assisted conversion of bio-oils using novel sustainable catalysts will be explored. Microwave technology has huge potential as an electrically powered heat source, enabling the net zero energy transition. The novel catalysts will be sourced from landfill sites, simultaneously addressing the environmental issues caused by centuries of poor waste management practice and the prohibitive costs of traditional precious metal-based catalysts. The experimental outcomes will be used as inputs into a process model for testing and improving PyroGenesys’ advanced thermal technology.
The project is mainly funded by the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Negative Emissions Technologies for Net Zero (NET2Zero) with additional support from PyroGenesys LTD. As part of the CDT programme, you will benefit from a comprehensive, interdisciplinary training programme and skills development, including the opportunity for an industrial placement with PyroGenesys.
The duration of the PhD is 4 years and the start date is 1st October 2024.
Supervisory Team: Dr Eleanor Binner, Prof. Sean Rigby, Prof. Hao Liu (all from the University of Nottingham), Mr Simon Ighofose (PyroGenesys LTD).
Funding
The studentship covers Home/UK tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend (£19,237 per annum for 2024/25), as well as additional budget allowances for research, travel, and CDT centre activities.
Eligibility and Academic criteria
Due to funding restrictions, applicants need to meet the eligibility requirement for UK/home tuition fees status. Ideal candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class or a high 2.1 honour degree and/or a master’s degree (or their equivalent) in materials sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related subject.
How to apply
For informal enquires and to submit an expression of interest (EOI), please contact Dr Eleanor Binner (Eleanor.binner@nottingham.ac.uk) and Professor Hao Liu (liu.hao@nottingham.ac.uk). Please include your CV, a cover letter and your academic transcripts and include the project title in your EOI email.
Deadline for applications
The deadline for applications is 30th August 2024. This studentship is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.
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