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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
Four-year studentship with a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a generous research training support grant.
Country
United Kingdom
University
Aston University
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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, Environmental Science, and Materials Science. The research aims to develop and optimise microwave reactivation of spent activated carbon, with a particular focus on powdered activated carbon (PAC), which is currently difficult to regenerate. The work addresses water and air treatment applications, contaminant removal, PFAS and other emerging pollutants, carbon regeneration, and emissions reduction.
The student will study how microwave processing parameters affect reactivation performance and product characteristics, including restoring adsorption capacity for reuse. A major engineering challenge is designing a safe and reliable feeding system for powders through the microwave unit. The project includes access to a lab-scale microwave unit and Puragen’s pilot-scale facility, plus an industrial placement to gain experience in process development, scale-up, and plant operation.
Funding: Fully funded four-year studentship with a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a generous research training support grant.
Eligibility: Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First Class or high 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) and/or a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Particle Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Excellent teamwork, communication skills, and an outstanding safety record are expected. This opportunity is for home fee status candidates only.
Application: Submit an Expression of Interest via the Google Form linked in the post. The post states that applications are open until filled, so early submission is strongly encouraged. If shortlisted, you may be invited to meet the potential supervisors before a formal application is made through the home institution.
Supervisors: Prof. Eleanor Binner, Dr Gabriela Duran Jimenez, and Dr Andrew Gill (Puragen).
Funding details
Four-year studentship with a tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 per year for 2026/27), paid tuition fees, and a generous research training support grant.
What's required
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain before the start date, a First Class or high 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) and/or a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Particle Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Applicants should also demonstrate excellent team working and communication skills and an outstanding safety record. This opportunity is for home fee status candidates only, and if English is not the first language, evidence of meeting English language requirements will be required.
How to apply
Submit an Expression of Interest using the Google Form linked in the post. Provide personal details, passport/status evidence where relevant, academic transcripts and certificates, research background, and English language evidence if applicable. If shortlisted, you may be invited to meet the potential supervisors, and a formal application will later be required through the home institution.
More information can be found here
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