PhD Studentship: CO₂ Sequestration and Valorization into Functional Carbon Materials University College London in United Kingdom

The Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL) is internationally recognized for its research excellence and impact, with a strong focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and sustainable materials. This fully funded PhD studentship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of scalable and sustainable pathways for CO₂ sequestration and valorization into functional carbon materials.

The project aims to tackle the urgent need for technologies that not only remove CO₂ from the atmosphere or point sources but also convert it into durable, high-value materials with real-world applications. By transforming captured CO₂ into solid, functional carbon materials, the research combines long-term carbon storage with applications in energy, environmental, and structural technologies.

As a PhD student, you will explore emerging process routes for capturing and converting CO₂, develop a fundamental understanding of the underlying physicochemical mechanisms, and evaluate the performance of the resulting carbon materials in relevant applications. The research will integrate experimental work, modelling, and systems-level thinking, allowing you to tailor your focus toward fundamental studies, applied process development, or a combination of both, depending on your interests and background.

The ideal candidate will have a background in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline. While prior experience in carbon capture and utilization, catalysis, materials synthesis, or process modelling is welcomed, it is not essential. Intellectual curiosity, self-motivation, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary sustainability challenges are highly valued.

The studentship is fully funded for 4 years, with a stipend of approximately £23,466 per annum and coverage of UK-equivalent tuition fees. Overseas students may apply, provided they can independently cover the difference between UK and overseas tuition fees. The start date is flexible, with options in May or October 2026.

Applications should be submitted through the UCL graduate research degrees portal for Chemical Engineering. Please nominate Dr Marco Gigantino as your supervisor and include a statement of interest. For informal enquiries, contact Dr Marco Gigantino at [email protected]. For further details on the MPhil/PhD course and recruitment process, visit the department's website.

This position is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainability, materials innovation, and interdisciplinary research, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on climate change mitigation and advanced materials development at a world-leading institution.