[PhD by Enterprise FSE] Engineering and Translating Graphene-Based Vortex-Ring Aerogels for Industrial Water Purification and Carbon Capture

About the Project

Global industries face critical environmental crises: the accumulation of emerging organic pollutants (EOPs) like "forever chemicals" (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors in water systems, and the escalating levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) driving climate change. Current remediation technologies, such as activated carbon for water and liquid amine scrubbing for CO2 capture, suffer from high energy penalties, limited target specificity, and severe corrosion issues. There is an urgent need for next-generation, highly efficient, solid-state adsorbents.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a highly promising material due to its massive theoretical surface area and functional groups. However, its commercial application is hindered by the tendency of nanosheets to restack, causing pore collapse and drastic reductions in active surface area. This project focuses on the development and commercialisation of a novel, scalable platform of 3D macroscopic GO aerogels. By utilizing advanced, scalable manufacturing techniques, we can engineer structurally robust, highly porous materials that mitigate restacking and maintain exceptional mass transport and adsorption capabilities.

The successful candidate will drive the translation of this technology from a promising lab-scale proof-of-concept to a commercially viable product. The research will involve optimizing the synthesis of these aerogels, tailoring their surface chemistry and pore architecture using both empirical formulation and computational modelling, and evaluating their performance in dynamic, real-world continuous-flow systems for both water purification and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU).

As part of the prestigious PhD by Enterprise programme, this project goes beyond traditional research. The candidate will receive structured entrepreneurship training and wrap-around support from the University's innovation ecosystem, including the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and the Innovation Factory. The PhD will integrate world-class materials science with comprehensive market discovery, culminating in a doctoral thesis that includes an investment-ready business plan. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious researcher to not only develop sustainable technologies but also to spearhead their commercial translation, ultimately laying the foundation for a high-growth spin-out venture aimed at tackling critical global environmental challenges.

Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, Physics, or related subject areas.  Research experience in graphene or other porous nano-material frameworks or relevant applications areas to this project is desirable.

To apply for this project please select PhD Enterpise (FSE).

FSE_Enterprise

Funding Notes

Fully funded studentships are available to start in 2026/27 and provide the following:

• Funding at the UKRI stipend rate, £21,805
• Tuition fees
• Up to £20,000 RTSG per studentship, depending on the research project
• Additional support for entrepreneurship training and customer discovery activities
• Visa and immigration costs reimbursed for successful international PGRs