Publisher
source

Aston University

Fully Funded PhD in Biomass-Derived Biochar Electrodes for Low-Carbon Sodium-Ion Batteries Aston University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Four-year fully funded 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.

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Aston University

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Keywords

Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Energy Storage
Electrochemistry
Material Characterization
Life Cycle Assessment
Sustainable Energy
Biomass Valorization
Biochar
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity in biomass-derived biochar electrodes for low-carbon sodium-ion batteries at Aston University within the Net2Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (EPSRC/BBSRC). The project sits at the intersection of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, and electrochemical energy storage, with a strong sustainability and net-zero focus.

The research aims to develop biochar-based porous carbon electrodes from sustainable biomass feedstocks for sodium-ion batteries. It will study how biomass type, pyrolysis conditions, and post-treatments affect pore hierarchy, surface chemistry, electrochemical performance, and degradation during cycling. The project also includes operando/intermittent diagnostics such as impedance spectroscopy, comparative benchmarking against hard carbon anodes, and life-cycle/carbon impact assessment.

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

Eligibility: applicants should have a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field. Interest in sustainable energy and materials is essential; electrochemistry, porous/carbon materials, or battery experience is desirable. This opportunity is only open to home fee status applicants; international candidates will not be considered.

Supervisory team: Dr Volkan Degirmenci and Prof. Evgeny Rebrov. Contact: [email protected].

How to apply: submit the Expression of Interest via the online form. You may need to provide personal details, passport/status evidence, academic transcripts/certificates, research background, and English language evidence if applicable. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to meet the supervisors before formal application through the home institution.

Start date: October 2026. Location: University of Warwick (as listed on the page), within the Net2Zero CDT partnership led by Aston University.

Funding details

Four-year fully funded 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 have a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related discipline, with a First or Upper Second-Class honours degree (or equivalent overseas qualification). A strong interest in sustainable energy and materials is required. Experience with electrochemistry or materials characterisation is desirable, as is familiarity with porous materials, carbon materials, or batteries. Home fee status is required; international candidates will not be considered. If English is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of meeting English language requirements may be needed.

How to apply

Submit the Expression of Interest via the Apply Now form. Prepare personal details, passport/status evidence, academic transcripts and certificates, research background, and English language evidence if applicable. Shortlisted candidates may meet the potential supervisors before a formal application is made through the home institution.

More information can be found here

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