Carbon-eating and sustainable construction materials from biomass-derived biochar.

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 

​​Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of organic biomass, has gained attention due to its potential applications in agriculture, carbon sequestration, and, more recently, in construction materials. The idea of using biochar as a partial replacement for cement and aggregates in cementitious composites and as an additive in plasters could lead to more sustainable building materials, reducing the carbon footprint of construction processes. This research will focus on producing biochar via intermediate pyrolysis, characterising its properties, and evaluating its performance in cementitious composites and plasters. 

​ ​Objectives of the proposed research will include: 

​ ​Production of biochar using laboratory-scale and industrial-scale intermediate pyrolysis systems from selected and characterised lignocellulosic waste streams. 

• ​Characterisation of biochar to determine its chemical (elemental composition, X-ray diffraction, pH/conductivity and fictional groups distribution), physical (particle size distribution, surface area/porosity, bulk density and SEM morphology), and mechanical properties (compressive strength). 
• ​Application of produced of biochar as a partial replacement for cement and aggregate in cementitious composites and plaster mixtures Mix design, processing and curing). 
• ​Characterisation of the resulting materials, focusing on mechanical, thermal, and durability performance and structural analysis. 

​ ​This research will provide a comprehensive understanding of how biochar can be produced and utilised as a sustainable alternative material in the construction industry. It can also be complemented by the life cycle analysis of biochar-modified composites or field tests to assess the real-world performance of developed materials.

Industrial partner:
his project is in collaboration with, and supported by, Holcim.

Supervisors:​​​​ Dr Daniel Nowakowski, Dr Tala Kasim, Jasen Gauld (Holcim)

Contact information

For any enquiries about this project, please contact the Net2Zero CDT team

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. 

Person Specification

Applicants should demonstrate: 

• First or Upper Second Class honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) 
• OR a 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 
• Strong practical or research experience relevant to biochar production/characterisation OR/AND cementitious or plaster based materials 
• Ability to work independently, manage experimental data carefully 
• Ability to communicate results clearly in written reports and presentations 
• Motivation, creativity, and resourcefulness and mature approach to learning 

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.

• 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.

This project is open to applications from international candidates.

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'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 of Nottingham, University of 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.