Feasibility study of heavy metal mining from subsurface reservoirs for renewable energy storage

Heavy metal demand is expected to increase as more of the world turns to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. However, current supply of heavy metals is not sufficient to meet energy transition targets over the next decade due to limited available resources. In this study, the student will study the potential of using ion exchange in saline water to extract valuable minerals from offshore oil and gas fields. The student will formulate brine samples that can potentially be used as a greener solution in energy industry, and will study the chemistry, thermodynamic and phase behaviour of saline water at various pressure and temperatures. This will be followed by evaluating fluid flow performance in conduits and porous media and investigation of the rock-fluid interactions and possible mechanisms to increase lifespan of offshore oil and gas fields. The experiments will be carried out using equipment and test facilities available in the School of Engineering.

Selection will be made on the basis of academic merit. The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php

• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering

• State name of the lead supervisor as the Name of Proposed Supervisor

• State ‘Self-funded’ as Intended Source of Funding

• State the exact project title on the application form

When applying please ensure all required documents are attached:

• All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate AND Postgraduate MSc-officially translated into English where necessary)

• Detailed CV, Personal Statement/Motivation Letter and Intended source of funding

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr R Rafati (roozbeh.rafati@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School (pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk)