PhD Studentship: UKRI Net2Zero CDT (Industry-Sponsored by Remedium) - Advanced Biomass Conversion with Thermochemical Energy Storage

Supervisors: Dr Yaoyao Zheng, Prof. Hao Liu, Dr Omid Saghafifar (Remedium) 

Programme Length: Four years

Prospective Start Date: October 2026

Net²Zero Centre for Doctoral Training 

The EPSRC and BBSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Negative Emission Technologies for Net Zero (CDT in Net2Zero) 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.  

Training and Development

Through our research training programme, you will be able to:

• Network with doctoral researchers, academia, government, and industry
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for international collaboration
• A comprehensive, interdisciplinary training programme
• A three-month placement with Remedium

Project Overview and Background

Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is recognised as a critical pathway for net-negative emissions but current systems are energy-intensive and inflexible.

This project proposes a novel biomass-based negative emissions process using the reversible CaO/CaCO₃ reaction as a high-temperature thermochemical heat storage medium. By cycling calcium-based solids between CO₂ capture and regeneration conditions, the system aims to inherently capture CO₂ and redistribute heat. This enables partial decoupling of biomass conversion and sorbent regeneration, offering flexible and dispatchable BECCS operation aligned with variable renewable energy supply.  

During biomass conversion, CO₂ is captured via exothermic carbonation, releasing high-grade heat. In regeneration stage, CaCO₃ is decomposed at elevated temperature, storing chemical energy while producing a concentrated CO₂ stream for storage. Chemical looping oxygen carriers (Fe- or Cu-based materials) will be integrated to enhance biomass conversion and heat management. Circulating solid materials allows thermochemical heat storage and sensible heat transport, reducing reliance on continuous external energy input.  

In collaboration with Remedium, this project will combine experimental and modelling studies to explore operating windows, internal heat management strategies, and the cycling stability of calcium-based materials under realistic biomass-derived conditions. 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first or an upper 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in one of the following subjects:

• Chemical Engineering 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Materials Sciences 

• Chemistry 

• Or a closely related subject.

Desirable: 

Experience in experimental or modelling with carbon capture, fluidised bed, or fixed bed is an advantage.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion is at the heart of the Net2Zero CDT. We are committed to equality of opportunity and therefore encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in a higher education setting.

Financial Support

• Tax-free annual stipend at UKRI rate (£21,383 per year for 2026/27)
• Paid tuition fees
• A generous research training support grant

Overseas Applicants

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

How to Apply

All applicants should first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form via the ‘Apply’ button above. Please visit the studentship advert for further application guidance.

These studentships are open until filled, and hence early applications are strongly encouraged.

Contact Information

For general application or process enquiries, please contact:

• Beatrix Gateb (Senior CDT Administrator for Net2Zero CDT) at beatrix.gateb1@nottingham.ac.uk

For academic enquiries, please contact:

• Prof. Hao Liu (Co-Director of Net2Zero CDT) at liu.hao@nottingham.ac.uk
• Prof. Eleanor Binner (Co-Director of Net2Zero CDT) at eleanor.binner@nottingham.ac.uk

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