Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
Details
A fully funded PhD opportunity to participate in the world-leading research undertaken by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award at the University of Sheffield.
We have invented a sustainable and scalable method to produce bioinspired mesoporous silica (BMS), with highly tunable pore sizes, lower production cost and a low energy production route. Their scalability is demonstrated at lab- and pilot-scale using our custom-built facility. BMS have great potential in water treatment, especially selectively removing niche pollutants.
During preliminary market and scientific literature survey, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were identified as key target pollutants where BMS will have significant impact in their removal. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are used in thousands of consumer products but they are toxic to both humans and the environment. Environment agencies across the world are setting stringent regulations and controls for PFAS use, along with initiating R&D programmes to accelerate their removal from contaminated waters.
The aim of this project is to understand the adsorption science underpinning the PFAS removal using BMS in order to accelerate their commercial uptake in collaboration with a venture builder and an environmental company. In addition to the removal of PFAS from contaminated waters, this project will also address the sustainability of the water treatment technology. For example, various technologies investigated for PFAS removal have severe sustainability issues pertaining to their manufacturing and regeneration/disposal in addition to critical deficiencies in their performance. Our preliminary work shows that BMS are inexpensive and sustainable to manufacture at commercial scales. In order to demonstrate the suitability of BMS, during this project, a comprehensive study of BMS performance in removing PFAS will be performed including their scale-up and testing with real-life polluted waters.
The aim of this project is to understand the adsorption science underpinning the PFAS removal using BMS in order to accelerate their commercial uptake. Collaborating with the venture builder and an environmental company, the objectives are to (i) synthesise a range of BMS using statistical design and investigate the mechanisms of PFAS adsorption and optimise BMS structure and properties for PFAS removal, (ii) using our pilot-plant, scale-up the synthesis of best performing materials and (iii) in collaboration with partners, undertake performance measurements of scaled-up materials using real-life polluted waters.
The candidate will benefit from training across disciplinary boundaries between materials science, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science and business. The candidate will also learn a systems approach to innovation to integrate broader sustainability thinking with precise technical solutions.
The University of Sheffield is one of the leading Russell Group universities in the UK. We carry out cutting-edge research with strong links to industry. When you enrol to do a PhD with us, you will be working with world-leading academics and have access to top of the range facilities. As a PhD student you will have the opportunity to gain skills not only to conduct research, but also to take your career to the next level, whether you want to stay in academia, go into industry or the public sector, or set up your own company. You will have access to a range of training and support services to help you excel in your studies and beyond.
How to apply
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the project supervisors to discuss your interest in and suitability for the project prior to submitting your application.
Please refer to the EPSRC DLA webpage for detailed information about the EPSRC DLA and how to apply.
Funding Notes
The award will fund the full (UK or Overseas) tuition fee and a maintenance stipend at the UKRI rate (currently ÂŁ20,780 per annum) for 3.5 years, as well as a research grant to support costs associated with the project.
