PhD Studentship: Sustainable fuels and chemicals from the integrated conversion of biowastes

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Project Detail
Biomass-derived fuels, materials and chemicals are expected to play an important role in reducing our reliance on fossil resources, reducing carbon emissions and facilitating
the transition towards a more sustainable economy. To minimise adverse effects on other areas (e.g. food production), biomass should be obtained from non-arable resources. These can be converted using different biological or thermochemical processes to yield products such as alcohols, biogas, bio-oils and biochars. However, many processes suffer from low product yields and quality, high processing costs and the production of harmful side products, which inhibit their commercial application.

This PhD will focus on two promising biomass conversion processes, anaerobic digestion and hydrothermal liquefaction. Both processes can convert wet biomass, eliminating the need for energy-intensive drying, and can be applied to a wide range of feedstocks. By combining different technologies and carefully integrating the process, the project will seek innovative solutions to address current barriers to commercialisation. Particular focus will be placed on the analysis of the different reaction product phases and their impact on downstream processing. The experimental work will be supplemented with process modelling to obtain material and energy balances and evaluate the overall process economics. In addition, the project is expected to involve close collaboration with industry and research groups in Cambridge, Bath, Manchester and other UK and international institutions.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first class or upper second class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or knowledge/experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: thermochemical processing of biomass, anaerobic digestion, catalyst development, biorefineries, process modelling, life cycle analysis.

Contact details
Name: Jonathan Wagner
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: 01509222546

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “Chemical Engineering”.

Please quote reference number: CG-JLW-1814

Applications need to include an up-to-date CV and letter of motivation for the advertised project. International applicants need to provide clear details of how they would plan to cover their living expenses.