Biomass-derived Functional Nanomaterials for Phase-change Thermal Management

Prof. Chaoying Wan and Prof. Sai Gu (Both University of Warwick)

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.

This project is in collaboration with James Walker Ltd.

Sustainable thermal management materials are highly on demand for energy decarbonisation in transport and construction. This project aims to develop biomass-derived nanomaterials from rice husk for phase-change thermal management applications. Rice husk is an abundant agricultural waste rich in silica and lignin, offers a unique dual-component precursor for designing silica-lignin hybrid nanoparticles with tunable physicochemical properties. The project will establish low-energy synthetic protocols for producing hybrid nanoparticles, and will then be explored as encapsulation shells for natural wax-based phase change materials, targeting high latent heat storage, enhanced shape stability, and controlled thermal conductivity.

This project integrates biomass valorization, nanoengineering, and thermal regulation, offering a scalable pathway to renewable, multifunctional materials that address the twin challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability in the electrified economy.

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:

• Polymer Science
• Chemical Engineering

Candidates should also be able to demonstrate experience in polymer synthesis and structure characterisation.

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 exclusively available to candidates who qualify for home fees.

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.