Project details
The aim of this PhD project is to design and build novel sustainable, eco-friendly and reusable hierarchical composites for the removal of toxic pollutants and other hazardous species from environment.
Sustainable and versatile hydrogel particles composed of biodegradable polymers will be fabricated using Lego-inspired droplet microfluidic devices, coupled with photopolymerization. Hydrogel microspheres will act as microreactors for the stabilization of silver and zinc oxide nanocomposites decorated on reduced graphene oxide.
The successful candidate will use the state-of-the-art analytical and microscopy techniques (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence microscopy, computational chemistry, and UV-Vis spectroscopy) to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the fabricated nanocomposites and their catalytic and adsorption performance. Furthermore, the recyclability of these materials will be studied.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Goran Vladisavljevic
Secondary supervisor: Dr Huaiyu Yang
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Food Science, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy or a related subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience will be an advantage.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
To be confirmed Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.
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.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select *The school of AACME/Chemical Engineering*. Please quote the advertised reference number: * AACME-24-025 * in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
