PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering

University of Nottingham

Area

Engineering

Location

UK Other

Reference

ENG332X1

Closing Dates

  • Tuesday 15 September 2026

Supervisors

Dr Yaoyao Zheng
Nate Macmillan (AEL CCS)

Programme Details

  • Programme Length: Four years

  • Contract Type: Full-time

  • Prospective Start Date: October 2026

The positions are filled on a first-in, first-served basis; therefore, early expression of interest is encouraged.

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.

This four-year doctoral programme is training the next generation of research leaders tasked with removing greenhouse gases from the environment.

The CDT in Net2Zero focuses on the use of biomass to replace fossil fuels and removal (or capture) of CO2 from the atmosphere, with the potential to create new sources of fuels and chemicals. The centre’s expertise covers:

  • Direct Air Capture and CO2 Storage (DACCS)

  • CO2 utilisation

  • Biochar synthesis and utilisation

  • Biomass transition to materials and chemicals

  • Biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS)

Training and Development

Through the research training programme, students will be able to:

  • Develop a network with doctoral researchers, academia, government and industry.

  • Access cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for international collaboration, preparing for a successful career in academia, industry, or policymaking.

  • Carry out a training programme covering practical engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills to prepare students for diverse sectors.

  • Engage directly with industrial partners, policymakers, and third-sector organisations to support future careers.

  • Undertake a three-month placement with industry, research collaborators, or policymakers.

Project Overview and Background

The project aims to develop and demonstrate a laboratory-scale reactor that can function as a biochar/bio-syngas generator and a bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) reactor.

Objectives

  • In collaboration with a commercial laboratory furnace manufacturer, to conceptually design a laboratory-scale electrically heated furnace that can house the multifunctional reactor.

  • To design and work with university engineering technicians to manufacture at least two types (fluidised bed and fixed bed) of laboratory-scale reactors to produce biochar and evaluate BECCS technology based on calcium-based and other solid sorbents.

  • To conduct biochar production tests using a multifunctional reactor system with a range of biomass feedstocks and characterise biochar properties (e.g., pore size distribution, porosity) using analytical equipment (e.g., BET, SEM, XRD, TGA) available at the University of Nottingham.

  • To conduct CO2 capture tests using calcium-based sorbents (high temperatures) and other solid sorbents (including biochar-derived sorbents) (low temperatures), using simulated CO2-containing gaseous mixtures in phase 1 and real CO2-containing flue gases in phase 2.

Person Specification

Essential

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in:

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Materials Sciences

  • Chemistry

  • Or a closely related subject

Desirable

  • Previous design and operational experience with fluidised bed reactors at any scale is an advantage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of the Net2Zero CDT. The programme values diversity, creativity, and innovation.

The CDT is committed to equality of opportunity, fairness, and inclusion, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including:

  • Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds

  • Disabled people

  • LGBTQI+ people

  • Women

Financial Support

  • Four-year studentship with a tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,383 per year for 2026/27)

  • Paid tuition fees

  • Generous research training support grant

Overseas Applicants

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

How to Apply

Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Only one EOI is required regardless of the number of projects.

Successful applicants will be invited to submit a formal application via NottinghamHub.

Required information for EOI:

  • Personal details for processing the application

  • Copy of passport and, where relevant, evidence of settled or pre-settled status

  • Personal characteristics (for monitoring purposes only)

  • Academic background, including transcripts and certificates

  • English language evidence (if applicable; may be submitted later)

  • Research background and experience

Expressions of Interest will be assessed based on:

  • Candidate’s motivation and experience, and alignment with the Net2Zero CDT programme goals

Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunit y to meet potential supervisors.

Contact Information

General Enquiries

Beatrix Gateb
Senior CDT Administrator for Net2Zero CDT
Email: beatrix.gateb1@nottingham.ac.uk

Academic Enquiries

Prof. Hao Liu
Co-Director, Net2Zero CDT
Email: liu.hao@nottingham.ac.uk

Prof. Eleanor Binner
Co-Director, Net2Zero CDT
Email: eleanor.binner@nottingham.ac.uk

Apply