Catalytic recycling of polyester plastics to monomers

About the Project

Plastics are ubiquitous in modern society, finding widespread applications due to possessing optimal physical and chemical properties. For example, the polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is produced at a multimillion-ton scale for uses in clothing, including fast fashion, and single-use food packaging, e.g. plastic drinks bottles, which are produced at the rate of ~500 billion per year. Such enormous production and consumption results in a huge waste stream that, to date, predominately ends up in landfills, is sent for incineration, or finds its way into the environment and accumulates, such as within the great Pacific garbage patch.

However, waste PET has the potential to be valuable chemical feedstock. Chemical recycling allows it to be converted back into its constituent monomers, which can be converted back into new plastic materials. Such an approach enables the realisation of a sustainable and circular economy within the sector, e.g. make, use, recycle, remake. Thus, developing catalytic processes for plastic chemical depolymerisation is critical. This project will target the development of catalysts for mild-condition recycling of PET and other polyester, with a focus on both catalyst production and processing technologies and conditions.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.
• English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date.

Funding

At The University of Manchester, we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level, to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

For more information, visit our funding page or search our funding database for specific scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Please contact the supervisor to discuss funding options.