PhD Evaluating efficacy of supercritical water oxidation to valorise organic waste to achieve net zero targets and mitigate pollution

PhD @Cranfield University posted 24 hours ago

Job Description

This fully-funded PhD research opportunity, supported by EPSRC and Kairos Carbon offers a competitive bursary of £22,000 per annum, covering full tuition fees. The project will focus on the chemical mechanisms within the thermochemical conversion of wet organic wastes using supercritical water oxidation (SCWO), and will suit applicants with a strong understanding of chemistry and/or chemical engineering.

This research addresses an emerging challenge of managing wet organic wastes, recovering resources and dealing with harmful contaminants such as PFAS, metals and microplastics. Supercritical water oxidation [SCWO] of wet organic wastes is an emerging, low TRL technology which has demonstrated potential for effectively managing persistent pollutants, such as PFAS compounds and microplastics.

This PhD will aim to understand the mechanisms involved in the breakdown of wet organic wastes and contaminants during supercritical water oxidation.

Cranfield University has an international reputation in thermochemical conversion, including energy from waste utilising combustion, gasification and pyrolysis technologies. Kairos Carbon has deep expertise in waste processing, carbon markets and technology development. Cranfield and Kairos are working together on an Innovate UK-funded project to develop a pilot-scale SCWO reactor, presenting the PhD researcher the opportunity to work as part of a collaborative team seeking to demonstrate SCWO has a viable technology for treating wet wastes and recovering valuable resources.

The PhD research is expected to generate novel understanding of wet waste conversion processes in SCWO reactors, having impact in enhancing process performance and resource recovery.

The researcher will work as part of a collaborative research and development team, having numerous opportunities to work at partner and related industrial sites. There will be significant opportunities to present work at external conferences, internal Cranfield events and also within project team meetings.

The student will have the opportunity to join a vibrant community and team of researchers. They will develop significant transferable skills through undertaking independent research and through working in a multi-partner collaborative project. Along with transferable skills in project management, technical writing, teamwork and public engagement, graduates will be well-positioned for careers in a variety of sectors including academia and industry.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, including chemistry or chemical engineering. This project would suit candidates who have a background in practical work and possess a strong working knowledge in analytical science.

Funding

This studentship is open to both UK and international applicants. However, we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to applicants from outside the UK. Funded studentships will only be awarded to exceptional candidates due to the competitive nature of the funding.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.