PhD Studentship in Advanced Microwave Technology for Activated Carbon Reactivation
Develop sustainable microwave-based reactivation for activated carbon to reduce energy use in water/air treatment.
Best for:Best for engineering graduates with a strong background in chemical, process, or particle engineering, eager to contribute to sustainable technology and industry collaboration.
Overview
This PhD studentship at the University of Nottingham focuses on advancing microwave technology to reactivate activated carbon—a critical material for removing contaminants from water and air—while significantly cutting energy consumption compared to traditional thermal methods. The project, embedded in the Net2Zero CDT, collaborates with industry partner Puragen to scale up lab processes and explore pilot applications. Applicants will engage in interdisciplinary research, benefit from industry placements, and join a network of academics, policymakers, and engineers dedicated to net-zero technologies. The role offers hands-on experience in process development, safety protocols, and sustainability innovation, with full funding and training in engineering, communication, and entrepreneurship.
What you'll do
- Develop and optimize microwave-based reactivation processes for activated carbon to replace conventional thermal methods.
- Conduct laboratory-scale and pilot-scale experiments to assess energy efficiency and performance improvements.
- Collaborate with industry partner Puragen to translate research findings into scalable applications.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary research within the Net2Zero CDT, focusing on negative emission technologies.
- Participate in a three-month industry placement to gain practical experience in process development.
- Engage in training programs covering engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills.
- Publish research findings in academic journals and present at conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: A First Class or strong 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Particle Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred but not mandatory.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven academic excellence in chemical or process engineering disciplines.
- Strong laboratory skills, particularly in experimental process development.
- Experience with safety protocols and industrial collaboration.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Basic proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
- Applicants must hold or expect to obtain a First Class or strong 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) before the start date.
- Open to Home Fee Status candidates only.
- No age restrictions, but prior experience in research or industry is advantageous.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must submit their CV, academic transcripts, a research proposal, and two reference letters through the University of Nottingham’s online application portal. Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline. Additional details and the application link are available on the Net2Zero CDT website.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (BSc and MSc if applicable)
- Research proposal
- Two reference letters
Contact
Md Ashif Chy· Net2Zero CDT Team
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