Photothermal Catalysis for Selective Upcycling of Polyolefin Plastic Waste

About the Project

Developing novel and efficient strategies for plastics recycling is critical to achieve the UK Net Zero strategy. Mechanical recycling based on thermal processability of plastics is the only widely adopted technology for largescale treatment of plastic waste. However, the temperature-sensitive plastics, composites and thermosets cannot be processed. Chemical recycling, such as pyrolysis and hydrocracking (the most popular chemical processes), requires high temperatures/pressures for bond cleavage, making them energy intensive. Other challenge for chemical recycling is the only access to pure waste polymer feedstocks (due to the incompatibility and immiscibility of most plastics), which require costly and time-intensive sorting of commingled solid waste. This proposal aims to address these challenges by developing low energy catalysis technologies, e.g., photocatalysis, non-thermal plasma catalysis to achieve sustainable plastic waste under mild conditions (e.g. at mild temperature and atmospheric pressure).

This project will utilise laboratory scale nonthermal plasmas, photo catalysis (UV light or Xe lamp) setup for polyoelfin plastic waste and its related composites mixtures. This project seeks to achieve sustainable plastic conversion to valuable products and increase the energy efficiency of the process. We also propose to optimise the process parameters, such as temperature, gas component, reaction time, and catalyst development to promote the system efficiency. This PhD focus on the atomic-level design, synthesis, and characterisation of photothermal catalysts for selective polyolefin recycling. Further research on elucidating relevant underlying mechanisms of the complex systems will combine with in situ/operando spectroscopy techniques, such as FTIR, NMR and Raman. The project will involve the preparation and modification of catalyst and application of spectroscopic techniques (such as Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and Raman) to investigate the active centres and mechanistic steps in working catalysts. By advancing our fundamental understanding of catalysis and offering practical solutions to pressing global challenges, this research not only addresses the immediate need for sustainable waste plastic conversion but also paves the way for future breakthroughs in circular economy.

The PhD position will be based within the Department of Materials, Department of Chemical Engineering and University of Manchester-Harwell campus. This will facilitate research activities with the national facilities (Diamond Light Source, global renowned centres of excellence), whilst allowing access to the world-class facilities available at UoM. These will allow the successful candidate to receive training in catalyst synthesis and lab-based characterisation, catalysis process and as well as advanced spectroscopic methods. As part of the PhD, the student will be encouraged and expected to present their results at national and international meetings.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects: Chemical Engineering, Materials, Materials, or related subject with an interest in catalysis and/or advanced characterisation methods.

English Language requirements: For example, IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in writing and listening and 5.5 in reading and speaking. For other examples of accepted English qualifications, and to check if we can waive the requirement, please see English Language certificate.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD project is for self funded students or those with external funding. The start date is negotiable; October 2026, January or April 2027.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor of Dr Shanshan Xu (Email: shanshan.xu@manchester.ac.uk) 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.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied 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
• 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).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)