PhD Studentship in Advanced Materials from Lignin: generating tailored lignins using a novel lignin isolation process (ionosolv process)

We are inviting motivated candidates for a PhD studentship in the exciting field of “Strong carbon fibres from lignin”. The studentship includes fees and a bursary for suitable UK/EU nationals for the duration of 3 years. The studentship is available for a start from 1 October 2017.

Carbon fibre reinforced composites are extremely strong and durable materials that are surprisingly light-weight. They can replace steel and aluminium in the construction of cars, aircraft and wind turbine blades. Carbon fibres are traditionally made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a fossil fuel-derived precursor, in an energy-intensive process involving toxic chemicals. If this is not addressed, the use of carbon fibre composites will continue to receive criticism for poor environmental performance and the high cost of the manufacturing process limit them to specialty applications.

Lignin is a major component in wood and the largest by-product of the production of sustainable biofuels from wood/lignocellulosic biomass. Currently, utilisation of lignin is almost non-existent, but this must change to create enough revenue during the production of sustainable biofuels from lignocellulose. Creating strong carbon fibres from lignin has the potential to produce carbon from renewable feedstocks, reduce the environmental impact of their production and drastically cut the cost of carbon fibres by more than 75%.
The challenge is the low strength of the lignin-derived carbon fibres produced to date. This is due to poor control of the lignin properties such as functional groups, molecular weight and branching. The biopolymer’s morphology and chemical functionalities need to be much more carefully understood and controlled before it can be used successfully as a source of renewable carbon fibres. The goal of this project is to generate tailored lignins using a novel lignin isolation process (ionosolv process). The ionosolv process uses ionic liquids, a group of non-volatile solvents that are capable of extracting and modifying lignins very effectively. We will characterise the lignins from a variety of sources and convert them into lignin fibres and ultimately carbon fibres. You will analyse the relationship between the structure of the lignins and the resulting carbon fibres in great detail and chemical modifications that improve fibre spinning and carbonisation. This will allow us to develop novel strategies for producing strong, renewable carbon fibres with excellent commercial potential.

You will join a dynamic research team focusing on carbon-based assemblies and composites, at Imperial College London (www.imperial.ac.uk/nanostructures-and-composites); the group has a strong activity in the chemistry, processing, and applications of nanocarbons. Applicants should have solid knowledge in physical science, with an interest in carbon materials from biomass, combined with good teamwork and communication skills; some experience in organic synthetic chemistry is necessary. Candidates should have (or be expecting to have) a Master’s degree (1st class or upper second class) in materials, chemistry, or a relevant discipline.

For further details of the post, please contact Dr Agi Brandt-Talbot, [Email Address Removed]. Applicants will be required to complete an electronic application form.