PhD in Flash Joule Heating for Sustainable Solar Panel Recycling and Materials Recovery Queen Mary University of London in United Kingdom

Queen Mary University of London is recruiting for a fully funded PhD in Flash Joule Heating (FJH) for sustainable solar panel recycling within the Green-Loop project.

The project addresses the growing challenge of end-of-life photovoltaic modules and aims to improve recovery of valuable materials such as silver and silicon with high purity while reducing energy use compared with conventional recycling methods.

The PhD research will focus on optimising FJH processing parameters, characterising recovered materials, and exploring pathways to convert recovered components into higher-value products. Research directions mentioned include battery anode materials, advanced carbon materials, specialised industrial ceramics, and safe recovery strategies for emerging solar technologies.

This is a hands-on laboratory-based project with industrial relevance, access to world-class facilities, multidisciplinary training, and opportunities for publications and conference presentations. The studentship is funded by SEMS / UKRI-EPSRC and DEFRA through the Green-Loop programme.

Eligibility: applicants should have a good honours degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) or an MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline. The opportunity is open to Home fee status applicants only. For non-native English speakers, an English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component is required.

Deadline: 19 June 2026. Start date: September 2026 (Semester 1).

How to apply: submit an application for the PhD FT Materials Science programme and quote reference SEMS-PHD-721. The supervisor is Salvatore Grasso at Queen Mary University of London.