Development and demonstration of a laboratory-scale next generation multifunctional reactor for biochar production and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology

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 

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 be used to house the multifunctional reactor. 
• To design and work with university’s engineering technicians to manufacture at least two types (fluidised bed and fixed bed) of the laboratory-scale reactor that can be housed in the electrically heated furnace and used to produce biochar and to evaluate the BECCS technology based on calcium-based and other solid sorbents.
• To conduct biochar production tests by using the multifunctional reactor testing system with a range of biomass feedstocks and to characterise the biochar properties (e.g., pore size distribution, porosity) by using various analytical equipment (e.g., BET, SEM, XRD, TGA) available at the University of Nottingham.
• To conduct CO2 capture tests by using the multifunctional reactor testing system with Calcium-based sorbents (at high temperatures) and other solid sorbents (including biochar-derived sorbents) (at low temperatures) – simulated CO2-containing gaseous mixtures will be used for the 1st phase of the tests and real CO2-containing flue gases will be tested in the 2nd phase of the tests.

Essential:

Ideal candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class or an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or their equivalent) in one of the following subjects:

• Chemical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Materials sciences
• Chemistry
• or a closely related subject before the expected start date of the project.

Desirable:

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

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.

•    Four-year studentships with a tax-free stipend at UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27) 
•    Paid tuition fees
•    A generous research training support grant.

Overseas Applicants

This opportunity is for home fee status candidates only. You can find the rules for home fee eligibility.
Rules for home fee eligibility

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's 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).

You only need to submit one Expression of Interest regardless of the number of projects you are interested on.

These studentships are open until filled, and hence early applications are strongly encouraged.

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. 

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.