(SATURN CDT) Flexible SiC–MOF Nanocomposite Foam for Efficient Retrieval and Immobilisation of Nuclear Residuals

About the Project

The UK faces a critical engineering challenge in safely decommissioning its nuclear legacy. While bulk radioactive materials can often be removed from tanks, vessels and pipework, small but hazardous residual “heels” remain trapped in confined and inaccessible geometries. These residues are difficult to reach, expensive to remove, and can significantly delay site clearance. Developing safer, faster and more effective retrieval technologies is therefore a national priority.

This PhD project will develop a new class of flexible, high-performance nanocomposite foams designed to penetrate complex spaces and selectively capture hazardous radionuclides. The research will combine advanced ceramic nanomaterials with highly porous adsorption frameworks to create a retrievable material system capable of entering irregular geometries, capturing contaminants, and immobilising them for safe disposal.

Project Focus:

• The fabrication of highly porous silicon carbide (SiC) nanowire scaffolds with exceptional mechanical resilience and chemical stability
• The integration of advanced metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with ultra-high surface area for efficient adsorption of key radionuclide species such as caesium and strontium
• The engineering of flexible composite foams capable of penetrating confined geometries and enabling safe retrieval
• The relationship between material structure, adsorption performance, and environmental stability under simulated nuclear conditions

The project will establish clear structure–performance relationships and develop scalable, deployable material systems.

What the Student Will Do

You will undertake a multidisciplinary research programme combining materials synthesis, advanced characterisation and application-driven testing. This will include:

• Fabricating porous SiC ceramic nanowire foams
• Growing and functionalising MOFs directly onto ceramic nanostructures
• Characterising microstructure, porosity, and interfacial bonding using advanced microscopy and surface analysis techniques
• Testing adsorption performance using radionuclide surrogates in simulated waste environments
• Evaluating foam penetration, retrieval and immobilisation strategies relevant to tanks and pipework

You will work closely with academic supervisors and nuclear-sector stakeholders to ensure the research remains aligned with real-world decommissioning challenges.

Training and Career Development

Through the SATURN CDT, you will benefit from cohort-based doctoral training and engagement with partners across academia, industry and government. You will gain expertise in:

• Advanced ceramic and nanomaterial synthesis
• Microstructural characterisation (SEM, XRD, BET, TGA and related techniques)
• Adsorption science and environmental materials testing
• Translating laboratory-scale materials into practical engineering solutions

Opportunities for secondments, stakeholder engagement and participation in SATURN’s national network will support your professional development.

This project will equip you with specialist skills in nuclear materials engineering, advanced nanocomposites and environmental technologies. Graduates may pursue careers in nuclear decommissioning, advanced materials industries, environmental remediation, or academia.

About SATURN

This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up form a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Bangor, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia. You will be recruited with a cohort of other researchers all looking at nuclear- focused research but from across the breadth of the sector. Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course, as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities.

Nuclear Boot Camp (Months 1 - 3)

The Bootcamp is based in Manchester. For any of our students based at partner institutions, SATURN can offer you accommodation in Manchester and cover the cost.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Yu Chen at Yu.Chen4@liverpool.ac.uk

How to apply

Please complete the Enquiry Form to express your interest. We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project.

If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor.

Our application process can also be found on our website: here If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk

Funding Notes

This is a funded studentship with the University of Liverpool and NDA will cover full tuition fees at the Home student rate and a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at a stipend of £26,000 pa. for 2026-2027. The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund conference attendance, fieldwork, internships etc.