Advanced Biomass Conversion with Thermochemical Energy Strategy

Dr Yaoyao Zheng and Prof. Hao Liu (Both University of Nottingham) Dr Omid Saghafifar (Remedium)

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.

Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is widely recognised as a critical pathway for achieving net-negative emissions. However, conventional BECCS systems operate continuously and require sustained high-temperature heat input for sorbent regeneration, resulting in significant energy penalties and limited operational flexibility.

This project proposes a novel biomass-based negative emissions process that leverages the reversible CaO/CaCO₃ reaction as a high-temperature thermochemical heat storage medium. By cycling calcium-based solids between CO₂ capture and regeneration conditions, the system aims to both inherently capture CO₂ and redistribute heat within the process. This approach enables partial decoupling of biomass conversion and sorbent regeneration, offering the potential for flexible and dispatchable BECCS operation aligned with variable renewable energy supply.

During biomass conversion, CO₂ is captured in situ through exothermic carbonation, releasing useful high-grade heat. In a separate regeneration stage, CaCO₃ is decomposed at elevated temperature, storing chemical energy while producing a concentrated CO₂ stream suitable for storage. Chemical looping oxygen carriers, such as Fe- or Cu-baed materials, will be integrated with the CaO-based material to enhance biomass conversion and heat management within the process. Circulation of solid materials allows both thermochemical heat storage and sensible heat transport, reducing reliance on continuous external fuel or electricity input.

This project will combine experimental and modelling studies to explore operating windows, internal heat management strategies, and the cycling stability of calcium-based materials under realistic biomass-derived conditions. This project is in collaboration with additional support from Remedium. As part of the programme, you will benefit from a comprehensive, interdisciplinary training programme and skills development, including the opportunity for an industrial placement with Remedium.

Essential:

Ideal candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class or a high 2.1 honour degree and/or a master’s degree (or their equivalent) in one of the following areas before the start date of the project:

• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Sciences
• Chemistry
• OR a closely related subject

Desirable:

Previous experimental or modelling experience with carbon capture, fluidised bed, or fixed bed is an advantage. Full training relevant to the project will be provided during the project.

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant subject.

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 (£21,383 per year for 2026/27)
• Paid tuition fees
• A generous research training support grant.

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

For formal enquiries about this project contact the Net2Zero CDT team.

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:
   a) 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
   b) 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)

Apply for this position

(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.