Bioderived electrodes and recyclable electrolytes for next-generation supercapacitors

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. 

Our four-year doctoral programme is training the next generation of research leaders tasked to remove 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, and biomass to energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) etc.

Through our research training programme, you will be able to 

•    develop a network with doctoral researchers, academia, government and industry.
•    Access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for international collaboration, preparing you 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.
•    The CDT facilitates direct contact between students, industrial partners, policy makers, and third sector organisations to support future careers. You will have the opportunity of a three month placement with industry, research collaborators or policymakers.
 

Overview and Background 
Climate emergencies are being declared across the globe as carbon dioxide levels rise and we continue to pollute our environment. Renewable sources are playing a growing role in electricity generation, with 20% growth predicted in the next three years, which is leading to a similar increase in the demand for electrical energy storage devices that can store and release energy on demand.

Supercapacitors are a type of device that can rapidly release their stored energy; but the materials used for their construction, both the electrode and electrolyte, are fossil fuel derived and often contain precious resources e.g. precious metals which makes their utilisation in the UK’s transition to net zero problematic. This is further compounded by the poor recyclability of the devices, leading to them often ending up in landfill and contributing to the ever-increasing pollution problem. Recent promising research has shown that it is possible to make cutting edge electrodes from sources of waste biomass1 and to fabricate thermoresponsive polymer gel electrolytes2, work done by a member of the supervisory team at Aston University, which would facilitate the facile recycling of device components. However, this work is still in its infancy.

In this project we aim to create the world’s first fully recyclable supercapacitor device, with as many of the component materials as possible coming from sustainable, biological sources and containing no precious metals. To achieve this we have the following four objectives:

1)    High porosity carbon electrodes with high electrical conductivity will be prepared from a range of waste biomass sources, with a particular focus on hemp bast.

2)    Polymer gel electrolytes, based on the first “ionogel electrolyte” developed recently at Aston, utilising sustainable monomers, will be synthesised with optimised thermoresponsive properties.

3)    Utilising the novel electrodes and electrolytes prepared, supercapacitor devices will be fabricated and rigorously tested for their energy storage performance in terms of capacity, stability and durability against gold standards reported in the literature.

4)    The recyclability of the devices, driven by the thermoresponsive nature of the polymer gel electrolytes, will be demonstrated by the reutilisation of the components of one supercapacitor device for the fabrication of others.
 

•    Four-year studentships with a tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,383 per year for 2026/27) 
•    Paid tuition fees
•    A generous research training support grant.

Supervisors: Dr Stephen Worrall, Dr Matthew Derry, Dr Vesna Najdanovic

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries, and developing lifelong skills. 

At Aston University, our Engineering and Physical Sciences PhD programmes will provide all the support and facilities you will need to develop into a leading researcher in your chosen field. You will be welcomed into a supportive community with a shared enthusiasm for original research, where diversity and multidisciplinary is championed.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Motivation, creativity, and resourcefulness
• A mature approach to learning
• A strong foundation in the relevant subject
  • First or Upper Second Class honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution)
  • 60% or higher weighted average MSc (candidates for socio-politico-economic research topics will also be considered with a relevant MA).
  • OR significant, relevant industrial experience

• The ideal candidate should have knowledge/experience of high-temperature synthesis, polymerisation, and electrochemical device preparation and testing.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of the Net²Zero CDT and we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong.

We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in a higher education setting.  These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognised recently by a prestigious Gold Award for gender equality. Our commitment to advancing race equality has been recognised with a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award. We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive working environment and family atmosphere.

Submitting an Expression of Interest

When submitting the Expression of Interest we will need some information from you, we will be asking about:

1. Your personal details for processing the application.
2. A copy of your passport and, where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.
3. Your personal characteristics, for monitoring purposes only.
4. Your Academic background.  We will require English language copies (or screen captures) of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
5. If English is not your first language, you will be required to present evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. You can submit the evidence at a later stage.
6. Your research background and experience.
7. Expressions of interest will be assessed against the following criteria:
   1. Candidate’s motivation and experience: The extent to which the candidate’s expertise, experience, and ambitions align with the goals of the Net²Zero CDT programme.
   2. If you are shortlisted, you will have the opportunity to meet the potential supervisors.

If after formal interviews, you are offered a place in the training programme, you will be required to submit a formal application within the Home Institution (Aston University, University or Nottingham, University or Warwick or The Queen’s University of Belfast)

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.

The variety of PhD project topics at Aston means that the destinations of our graduates vary substantially. Some choose to continue into academia, at either Aston or other leading institutions, while others go onto use their newly acquired skills in a range of research, healthcare, industry or charitable fields. When selecting your chosen PhD path at Aston, your supervisor will be able to provide you with relevant career opportunities that could be available to you in your specialist area.