About the Project
Concrete is the world’s most widely used construction material, but its production is highly carbon-intensive and conventional concrete is primarily designed to provide structural strength. This PhD project will explore a new generation of carbon-storing and multifunctional concrete by combining two innovative carbon-based materials: biochar and graphene.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass waste under controlled conditions. Incorporating biochar into concrete offers an opportunity to store stable biogenic carbon while simultaneously valorising agricultural and other biomass wastes. Graphene, an advanced carbon nanomaterial, has exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity and can also enhance the mechanical and functional properties of cementitious materials. By combining these complementary materials, the project aims to transform concrete from a predominantly passive structural material into a multifunctional material capable of storing carbon, sensing structural changes and controlling thermal and electrical transport.
The PhD will investigate how biochar and graphene interact with cement and how these interactions influence the microstructure and performance of concrete. The student will use advanced experimental techniques and microstructural characterisations to understand hydration, pore structure, interfacial bonding and microstructural evolution. Mechanical and durability performance, electrical conductivity and piezoresistive self-sensing will also be evaluated. Carbon storage and environmental benefits will be quantified through carbon analysis and life-cycle assessment.
The student will receive interdisciplinary training in cement and concrete technology, biochar production, graphene and nanomaterial processing, advanced materials characterisation, mechanical and durability testing, electrical and thermal measurements, sensing technologies and life-cycle assessment. Training will be provided through hands-on laboratory work, specialist facilities, research seminars and regular supervision, with opportunities for collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as Civil Engineering and Material Engineering (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as Civil Engineering and Material Engineering (or international equivalent).
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.