HW-3-2 Lime carbonation systems for carbon dioxide removal

About the Project

This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.

Project Description

Achieving net-zero and net-negative greenhouse gas emissions will require scalable and durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. One promising pathway is mineral-based carbon capture and storage, in which carbon dioxide reacts with alkaline materials to form stable carbonate minerals. Lime (CaO/Ca(OH)₂), widely produced for industrial applications, offers a highly reactive and potentially scalable material for such processes.

This PhD project will explore lime carbonation systems for carbon dioxide removal, focusing on the fundamental chemistry, process design, and system-level performance of lime-based CDR pathways. The research will investigate how lime can be used to capture CO₂ from air, while addressing challenges related to kinetics, energy demand, material cycling, and overall environmental impact.

• The project may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
• Fundamental carbonation kinetics of lime and hydrated lime under varying conditions
• Design and optimisation of lime carbonation reactors and systems
• Coupling lime carbonation with calcination and material regeneration cycles
• Evaluation of energy, carbon, and material balances for lime-based CDR systems
• Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of candidate processes
• Integration of lime carbonation into industrial or environmental contexts

The exact focus will be shaped by the candidate’s interests and background.

Supervisors

• John Andresen / cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk
• Phil Renforth

Application Criteria

As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 MEng or and MSc with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience etc. Candidates for socio-politico-economic research topics will also be considered with a relevant MA. Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Candidates should be aware of and meet the entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

This project will be suitable for candidates with a background in environmental, chemical or process engineering.

Funding Notes

The programme is four years and starts in September 2026. Funding includes full UK fees, tax-free stipend (2025/2026 stipend is £20,780), plus budget for travel and consumables.

Enquiries

cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk

Application Web Page

https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/

CDT in Green Industrial Futures

The CDT is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath. The CDT is further supported by contributions from industrial partners. Bringing these leading universities together allows CDT-GIF students access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources and facilities.

The CDT-GIF has an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers. Alongside the four-year research project, students will receive expert training and opportunities to contextualise their research within the wider net zero landscape, including:

• Residential taught courses at each of the partner universities in Years 1 and 2 that provide training in the systematic considerations for industry including: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), technoeconomics, business models, policy & regulation, public engagement, plant operation.
• An international opportunity in Year 2 or 3 of the programme, including opportunities to visit a world-leading facility, conference or forum and explore the global context of industrial decarbonisation.
• A work placement with one of our industrial partners.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities, student-led activities, industry challenge sandpit, industrial site visits, and professional development opportunities.