Low temperature decarbonisation of limestone with molten alkaline salts for reduction of CO2 in cement manufacturing process (CEMEX Research Group AG)

The major cement manufacturers operating in the UK produces 8.96 million tonnes (Mt) of cement annually, which leads to 6.54 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 emission (based on 730 kg/t-PCe: Portland cement equivalent). This energy intensive industry is currently the largest source of CO2 emissions from the UK industrial process sector. The reduction of CO2 emission is challenging, as the majority of the emission comes from the intrinsic CO2 release from the limestone, one of the key raw materials for cement production.

To tackle this challenging situation, we are currently developing a new technique to decarbonise the limestone at low temperature with an aid of molten alkaline hydroxides. Once established, this will allow the cement industry to have a CO2-free raw material that can be readily used for the currently operating conventional process plants.

In collaboration with CEMEX, one of the major cement manufacturers in the UK, the proposed PhD project will investigate following aspects to contribute towards the translation of the developed process into practice:
• Utilisation of the products obtained from the molten alkaline decarbonisation of limestone for the production of traditional Portland cement clinkers.
• Application of the decarbonisation technique to the industrial grade limestone used in the commercial cement production, and test the product to be obtained for cement production.
• Application of the decarbonisation technique established in the proposed project to produce alternative cements and related phases.

The Centre wishes to recruit a graduate with a first or high 2.1 (above 65% grade mark average) class honours degrees with a background in materials/energy/chemical engineering/chemistry and potentially physics/earth sciences. The funding available restricts the projects to Home and EU students only. This project has an industrial partner - CEMEX Research Group AG.

Application details
If you wish to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Carbon Capture and Storage and Cleaner Fossil Energy: [Email Address Removed].

Academic supervisors
Dr Hajime Kinoshita,
[Email Address Removed]

Prof John Provis
[Email Address Removed]

Funding Notes
The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is of four years duration and carries an enhanced annual stipend of £19,053 total, to eligible UK candidates. Please visit our web site to find out further information on the Centre: http://www.ccscfe-cdt.ac.uk/

Application deadline: 31 November 2017