Novel materials and catalytic processes for the clean-up of organic pollutants in water

About the Project

Clean water is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, with major implications for health, sustainability, and industry. Many organic pollutants, such as aromatic solvents and chlorinated compounds, are persistent, toxic, and difficult to remove using conventional treatment methods.

This project will develop next-generation catalytic materials to destroy these pollutants efficiently and sustainably. You will design and test metal-doped zeolites, silicate-based catalysts and activated carbons, that activate hydrogen peroxide for the wet catalytic oxidation of organic contaminants in water.

Working at the interface of materials chemistry, catalysis, and environmental engineering, you will explore synthesis-structure-activity relationships and assess performance under realistic conditions. The project offers hands-on experience in heterogeneous catalyst preparation, HPLC analysis, porosimetry, chemisorption, XRD, and NMR, as well as kinetic and reactor studies. Collaboration with external partners will provide additional scope for interdisciplinary research and impact.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to achieve, at least an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.

A Master’s degree with Merit or above in a relevant subject would be advantageous.

Experience in catalysis, inorganic synthesis, or analytical chemistry is desirable but not essential.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University of Sheffield online application portal for postgraduate research in Chemistry:

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply

When completing your application, please specify Dr Marco Conte as the proposed supervisor and include the project title in your research proposal section.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded project. Candidates must be able to provide funding to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs for the duration of the PhD.

Fee Status Eligibility

This project is open to UK and international self-funded candidates.