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Aston University

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Fully Funded PhD in Advanced Microwave Technology Development for Activated Carbon Reactivation Aston University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Full funding available
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Country

United Kingdom

University

Aston University

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Water Treatment
Process Engineering
Environmental Sustainability
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity at Aston University in Advanced Microwave Technology Development for Activated Carbon Reactivation, offered through the Net2Zero Centre for Doctoral Training.

This project sits at the intersection of chemical engineering, process engineering, particle engineering, materials science, and environmental science. The research focuses on using microwave technology to reactivate spent activated carbon more efficiently than conventional thermal methods, with applications in water treatment, air treatment, and the removal of contaminants such as PFAS and other emerging pollutants.

The PhD will investigate how microwave processing parameters affect powdered activated carbon (PAC) reactivation performance and product characteristics, with the goal of restoring adsorption capacity for reuse. A major engineering challenge is designing a safe and reliable feeding system for powders through the microwave unit. The student will work with both a lab-scale microwave unit and Puragen’s pilot-scale facility, gaining experience in process development, scale-up, and plant operation during an industrial placement.

Funding: fully funded four-year studentship with a tax-free UKRI stipend (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a research training support grant.

Eligibility: applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a First Class or high 2:1 honours degree and/or a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Particle Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and an outstanding safety record are expected. This opportunity is for home fee status candidates only; overseas applicants are not eligible unless they meet home fee rules. English language evidence may be required if English is not the first language.

Application: submit an Expression of Interest via the Google Form linked on the project page. The page states that studentships are open until filled, so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Supervisors: Prof. Eleanor Binner, Dr Gabriela Duran Jimenez, and Dr Andrew Gill (Puragen).

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

More information can be found here

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