Integrating Bioelectrochemistry with Fermentation Processes for Improving the Production of Sustainable Commodity Chemicals

Programme of Research:

Manufacturing non-fossil fuel derived platform chemicals is a pressing need to meet both the UKs and the global ambition to achieve nett zero. Many of these chemicals can be derived from the fermentation of biomass but have limited commercial exploitation due to process inefficiency such as low metabolic efficiency and low conversion of carbon to product. Bioelectrochemical systems (electrically driven microbial technology) have recently been shown to be able to convert carbon dioxide to platform chemicals such as acetate and improve the energy metabolome of bacteria through the improvement of NADH recycling. In this project it is proposed to integrate bioelectrochemistry reactor designs with established yeast and bacterial fermentation to improve yield. However significant challenges remain in understanding the fundamental principles which would drive this approach. This project will analyse a range of biolectrochemical reactor designs using traditional fermentation processes for the production of ethanol and volatile fatty acids.

Skills and entry requirements: 

Applications are invited from students with backgrounds in Bioscience, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or Chemical/Biochemical/Process Engineering, Environmental Science, related disciplines who have/expect to graduate with a MSc or first/upper-second UK honours degree, or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.

Bursary:

The Studentship is to support full-time study for three years. The successful applicant will receive an annual tax-free bursary of £18,622 and tuition fees (at the Home student rate) will be paid by the University.

Apply here: Doing a PhD: information for applicants | University of South Wales

How to apply:

Please select MPhil/PhD (Sustainable Environment) when applying. Applicants are not expected to submit a research proposal for this studentship.

Informal enquiries about the project can be made to Professor Richard Dinsdale [Email Address Removed]  

Enquiries about the application procedure can be directed to Llinos Spargo in the Graduate School [Email Address Removed]

The closing date for applications is Friday 30^th June 2023. Interviews are expected to be held w/c 10^th July. The Studentship will commence in October 2023.