PhD Studentship: Cleaning with Bubbles - Interfacial Properties of Bubbly Liquids

In households and industries, surfaces are washed or cleaned by either spray or a deluge of water with surfactant. Considering the energy costs of clean water production and the environmental impact of surfactants washed down the drain, alternative methods for cleansing surfaces, objects and fabrics are urgently required. Tiny bubbles in water can modify its properties and produce interesting behaviour created by the tension at the air/water interface of the bubbles, which can enhance the cleaning performance.

In our project, we will investigate the cleaning properties of the micro- and nano-bubbles in various processes (dishwashing, bleaching) with the intention of reducing detergent usage in the washing and rinsing processes. We will develop methods to produce micro and nano bubbly liquids, characterise them using a range of experimental techniques and explore their effect on the physical and chemical properties of water.

Our project is an interesting combination of fundamental scientific study and application-driven research with the potential to change the way we do many day-to-day things.

Funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

The AACME Studentship competition offers the chance for UK and International applicants who are interested in undertaking a PhD to have their full-time studies paid for.

Applicants could receive full or partial funding for 3 years, including a tax-free stipend of £17,668 (2022/23 rates) per annum, and/or a tuition fee waiver.

Studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to advertised projects within AACME with the reference ‘AACME-23-XXX'. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of March 2023.

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