PhD Studentship in Next-generation Carbon-Negative Energy Production through Innovative Chemical Looping Combustion and Gasification of Biofuels

We are excited to offer a PhD studentship within the Low Carbon Energy and Resources Technologies Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering, focusing on the innovative field of CO2-negative technologies for industrial decarbonisation i.e. Chemical Looping Combustion (CLC) and Gasification (CLG) of Biofuels. This project is pivotal in contributing to negative CO2 emissions, aligning with global environmental goals. The student will have access to world-class facilities and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team with expertise in areas such as reactor design, reaction engineering, metal oxide nanocomposites, and CO2 capture technologies.

PhD Project Description: With the growing concern over climate change, there is an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This project will explore the potential of biofuels as a carbon dioxide-neutral fuel and their combustion/gasification using chemical looping technologies. The research will encompass various scales, from lab experiments to pilot scale, focusing on different low-cost oxygen carriers to advanced oxygen carriers and biofuel types. The project aims to develop novel CO2-negative chemical looping technologies and optimise operation parameters for maximum CO2 capture efficiency and energy gain, contributing to the development of Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) technologies.

Ideal Candidate: We seek a candidate with a keen interest in industrial decarbonisation, process developments, reaction engineering, advanced combustion technologies, inorganic material synthesis and characteristics. Willingness to learn interdisciplinary approaches to tackle the challenges of CO2 emissions in energy production is essential. You will develop skills in process design for CO2 capture, advanced reactor design, biofuel utilisation, and inorganic metal composite developments and characterisation.

Eligibility

• Project start date and duration: start 1^st October 2024 for 36 months.
• Candidates must possess or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first-class degree in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related discipline.
• To apply, a covering letter and CV should be sent by email to Fatih.Gulec1@nottingham.ac.uk. Please refer to the project title when sending your e-mail/application. Informal enquires are also welcome. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.

Funding support

Fully funded studentship, which includes a minimum tax-free stipend of £18,622, are competitively available for home fee eligible students for an October 2024 start. Note that the funding associated with this role is awarded via an internal competition and is therefore only confirmed sometime after the admission application is approved.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners. 

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