Gasification of Industrial Waste Feedstocks for Hydrogen Production: Process Optimisation and Sustainability Assessment

About the Project

Project details

The project will focus on understanding how gasification operating conditions, feedstock characteristics, and catalytic enhancements influence syngas yield, composition, and process stability, using industrial waste streams such as Grade C waste wood as the primary feedstock. Experimental work will generate new insights into how gasification systems can be optimised to maximise hydrogen-rich syngas production while minimising undesirable by-products such as tar.

Alongside experimental investigations, the project will include a targeted sustainability and techno-economic assessment, using lifecycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to evaluate the environmental and economic implications of optimised gasification pathways.

The project is linked to the UK Supergen Bioenergy Impact Hub (Task 2: Gasification for Negative Emissions) at Aston University. Gasification of waste biomass resources is gaining increasing attention as a pathway for producing low-carbon hydrogen while simultaneously diverting waste from landfill and supporting circular economy strategies.

Industrial waste streams such as Grade C waste wood and RDF represent a particularly attractive feedstocks due to their abundance and low cost. However, these materials often present operational challenges due to variable composition, higher contaminant levels, and increased tar formation during thermochemical conversion processes.

Current research within the Supergen Hub is exploring experimental gasification systems designed to optimise syngas yield and quality, including the integration of specially tuned catalysts to improve hydrogen production and reduce tar formation. At the same time, experimental datasets are being used to validate advanced gasification models that can predict system performance across different feedstocks and operating conditions.

This PhD will build upon this work by undertaking detailed experimental investigations of gasification parameters using industrial waste feedstocks, generating new data to improve understanding of how operational conditions influence hydrogen-rich syngas production and overall process performance.

Research Aim

The aim of this PhD is to investigate the influence of feedstock characteristics, gasification parameters, and catalytic enhancements on the performance of waste-derived gasification systems for hydrogen production, and to evaluate the environmental and economic implications of these pathways using lifecycle and techno-economic assessment.

Objectives

1. Characterise industrial waste feedstocks for gasification
   Characterise the physical and chemical properties of industrial waste streams, with a particular focus on Grade C waste wood and RDF. Assess variability in moisture content, ash composition, and contaminant levels that may influence gasification behaviour and syngas production.
2. Investigate the impact of gasification operating parameters
   Conduct experimental gasification trials to examine the effects of temperature, equivalence ratio, residence time, and feedstock preparation on syngas yield, composition, and process efficiency. Identify optimal operating conditions for producing hydrogen-rich syngas from industrial waste feedstocks.
3. Evaluate catalytic approaches to improve syngas quality for different utilisation options
   Investigate the incorporation of specially tuned catalysts within the gasification system to enhance hydrogen production and reduce tar formation. Assess how catalytic configurations influence reaction pathways, syngas composition, and overall system performance, and evaluate their suitability for downstream utilisation pathways such as hydrogen production, synthetic fuels, and chemical feedstocks.
4. Assess environmental and techno-economic performance
   Apply lifecycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to evaluate the environmental impacts and economic feasibility of optimised gasification pathways for hydrogen production from waste wood. Explore how process improvements influence carbon intensity, system efficiency, and potential deployment within future low-carbon energy systems.

Methodology

The PhD will adopt a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental research and systems analysis, including:

• Feedstock characterisation and laboratory analysis
• Experimental gasification trials using biomass and waste feedstocks
• Process parameter optimisation and catalyst testing
• Gas composition and tar analysis
• Lifecycle assessment (LCA) of hydrogen production pathways
• Techno-economic analysis (TEA) of gasification system performance

The integration of experimental data with sustainability and economic assessment will enable the development of a comprehensive understanding of the viability of hydrogen production from industrial waste gasification systems.

Person specification

The successful applicant should hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant discipline such as chemical engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, or energy systems. A relevant master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong experimental and analytical skills, with an interest in thermochemical conversion processes, gasification technologies, and sustainable energy systems. Experience with laboratory experimentation, data analysis, or process modelling would be advantageous.

A strong interest in hydrogen production, bioenergy systems, and circular economy approaches to waste valorisation is highly desirable.

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience.
4. A Curriculum Vitae (Resume) which details your education and work history.
5. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
6. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
7. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admissions@aston.ac.uk.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.

Funding Notes

This project is open to Home students ONLY, covers all tuition fees and includes a stipend at current UKRI rates. The project also includes a Research Training and Support Grant.

Please note that the successful candidate will be responsible for any expenses related to moving to Birmingham and/or visiting the Aston campus.

Where will I study?

Aston University

Situated in the heart of the Birmingham Innovation Precinct, Aston University stands as a leader in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Its cutting-edge research addresses critical societal, cultural, health, and environmental challenges, guided by three interdisciplinary themes: health, digital innovation, and technology.

Project supervisors

Dr Scott Banks

Dr Scott Banks's profile is coming soon