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 in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
Funding
This 3.5 year PhD is open to self-funded students or those with external funding.
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.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.
How to apply
You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply
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.
If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [contact details available in the full listing]
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
This 3.5 year PhD is open to self-funded students or those with external funding.
