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Development and demonstration of a laboratory-scale next generation multifunctional reactor for biochar production and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology   

The Net2Zero Centre for Doctoral Training brings together Aston University, the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´, Queen's University Belfast, and the University of Warwick to develop the next generation of leaders in negative emission technologies and net-zero solutions.

You will benefit from:

• Access to cutting-edge research facilities
• Collaboration with academia, industry, government, and policymakers
• International networking opportunities
• Training in engineering, communication, entrepreneurship, and business skills
• A three-month industrial, research, or policy placement

Project overview

This fully funded PhD project aims to develop and demonstrate a laboratory-scale multifunctional reactor capable of operating both as a biochar/bio-syngas generator and as a Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) reactor.

The project sits at the forefront of net-zero research, combining reactor engineering, biochar production, biomass utilisation, and carbon capture technologies. Working closely with academic researchers and industrial partners, you will contribute to the development of innovative low-carbon technologies that support greenhouse gas removal and sustainable energy generation.

Supervisors: Professor Hao Liu, Dr Yaoyao Zheng, and Nate Macmillan (AEL CCS).

Prospective start date: December 2026  

Aim

The project aims to develop and demonstrate a laboratory-scale reactor that can function as both a:

• Biochar and bio-syngas generation system
• Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) reactor

Research objectives

You will:

• Collaborate with a commercial laboratory furnace manufacturer to conceptually design a laboratory-scale electrically heated furnace capable of housing the multifunctional reactor
• Design and work alongside university engineering technicians to manufacture at least two reactor configurations (fluidised-bed and fixed-bed) that can be integrated within the furnace system for biochar production and BECCS evaluation using calcium-based and other solid sorbents
• Carry out biochar production experiments using a range of biomass feedstocks and characterise the resulting biochar materials using advanced analytical techniques available at the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´ including:
  • BET surface area analysis
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
  • X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
  • Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
• Conduct CO₂ capture experiments using the multifunctional reactor testing system with:
  • Calcium-based sorbents at elevated temperatures
  • Alternative solid sorbents including biochar-derived sorbents at lower temperatures

The research programme will initially utilise simulated CO₂ containing gas streams before progressing to experiments using real CO₂ containing flue gases.

Person specification 

Essential

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who hold, or expect to obtain before the start of the project, a First Class or strong Upper Second-Class (2:1) Honours degree and/or a Master's degree (or equivalent) in: 

• Chemical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Materials sciences
• Chemistry
• Or a closely related subject

Desirable experience

Although not essential, previous design or operational experience with fluidised-bed reactors would be advantageous.

Full training in the design, operation, and application of fluidised-bed reactor systems will be provided throughout the PhD making this an excellent opportunity for candidates wishing to develop expertise in advanced reactor technologies, bioenergy systems, biochar production, and carbon capture.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The Net2Zero CDT is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in higher education and research.

Eligibility and funding

This opportunity is open to home fee status candidates only. Read the . 

• Tax-free UKRI stipend (£21,805 per year for 2026/27)
• Full tuition fee support
• Research training support grant

How to apply

You should first . You only need to submit one Expression of Interest regardless of the number of projects you are interested in at the Net²Zero CDT. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a formal application via the NottinghamHub. 

When submitting an EOI form please include the following information:

• Your personal details for processing the application
• A copy of your passport and, where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status
• Your personal characteristics for monitoring purposes only
• Your academic background. We will require English language copies (or screen captures) of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees including any bachelor degrees
• If English is not your first language you will be required to present evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. You can submit the evidence at a later stage
• Your research background and experience
• Expressions of interest will be assessed against the following criteria
  • Candidate’s motivation and experience: the extent to which the candidate’s expertise, experience, and ambitions align with the goals of the Net²Zero CDT programme
  • If you are shortlisted you will have the opportunity to meet the potential supervisors.

This studentship is filled on a first-in, first-served basis; therefore we encourage early expression of interest.

Contact 

For enquiries relating to eligibility, the application process, funding, or the Net2Zero CDT programme, please email the Net2Zero CDT team at EZ-Net2Zero-CDT@nottingham.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding the research project, supervision, technical aspects of the research, or the proposed work programme, please email Professor Hao Liu (Co-Director of Net²Zero CDT) at liu.hao@nottingham.ac.uk or Dr Yaoyao Zheng at Yaoyao.Zheng@nottingham.ac.uk