About the Project
Solar energy is the most abundant and sustainable renewable energy source and offers transformative potential for clean energy generation and environmental remediation. This PhD project focuses on the development of sustainable, low-cost, photoactive nanomaterials that harness solar energy for water purification and energy conversion, while embedding circular economy principles into materials design.
A distinctive feature of the project is the valorisation of industrial waste, such as glycerol (a major by-product of biodiesel production), as a templating and structure-directing agent in photocatalyst synthesis. By transforming waste into a functional material component, the project directly addresses global challenges in sustainability, resource efficiency, and waste reduction.
RESEARCH AIMS AND SCOPE
The project will develop novel porous titanium-based nanomaterials (e.g. TiOâ‚‚, FTO, titanosilicates) with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity. Key research themes include:
– Sustainable synthesis of porous photoactive nanomaterials
– Use of low-cost, environmentally benign templating agents
– Band gap engineering via metal-ion doping (e.g. Bi, Fe, Cu)
– Composite formation with 2D materials such as graphene
– Structure–property–performance relationships in photocatalysis
– Application to solar-driven water purification and pollutant degradation
SUSTAINABILITY & IMPACT
Sustainability is central to this research. The project emphasises:
– Circular economy materials design
– Waste-to-value nanomaterials
– Scalable, low-cost synthesis routes
– Material recyclability, reusability, and recovery
Applications target solar water purification, environmental remediation, and renewable energy conversion, contributing directly to global sustainability and clean-water challenges.
TRAINING & RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
This PhD offers comprehensive, hands-on training in interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials chemistry, sustainability, and clean energy technologies. The successful candidate will gain experience in:
– Advanced materials synthesis and characterisation
– Photocatalytic testing and performance evaluation
– Data analysis, scientific writing, and literature review
– Independent research design and critical thinking
The project will be undertaken within the Perera Research Group at Kingston University, providing access to state-of-the-art research facilities and opportunities for national and international collaboration.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a First or Upper Second-Class (2:1) Master’s degree (e.g. MChem, MSc, MRes) or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline.
We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate:
– Curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for scientific research
– Interest in nanomaterials, catalysis, and photocatalytic systems
– Awareness of, or interest in, sustainability and circular economy approaches
– Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
– Willingness to develop skills in scientific writing and data interpretation
WHY APPLY?
This project is ideal for motivated graduates seeking training in interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world sustainability challenges through clean energy innovation and circular economy–driven materials science.
SUPERVISION & CONTACT
This PhD project will be supervised by Dr Ayomi S. Perera within the Perera Research Group at Kingston University. The group has strong expertise in materials chemistry, sustainable nanomaterials, and photocatalysis, and offers a supportive research-led environment with access to modern analytical and characterisation facilities.
Informal enquiries are welcome. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor to discuss the project and their suitability prior to applying.
Funding Notes
This project is included in the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry – see the information at PhD Studentships | Kingston University London.
Please submit an application for October 2026 entry VIA Research degrees | Kingston University London and select “self-funded” as the funding option. This will be changed internally if you are successful in your studentship application.
