Skip to main content

Plasma catalysis over zeolites for the conversion of plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuels

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Year round
Subject area
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
Change country or region

We’re currently showing entry requirements and other information for applicants with qualifications from United Kingdom.

Please select from our list of commonly chosen countries below or choose your own.

If your country or region isn’t listed here, please contact us with any questions about studying with us.

Overview

This funded PhD project will explore the integration of plasma catalysis with zeolite-based catalysts to optimize the conversion of plastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. Two project project will be structured across four years, with the first two years spent at the University of Liverpool and the following two years at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan.

About this opportunity

Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, with millions of tonnes accumulating annually. Traditional recycling methods often result in downcycled products, while incineration releases harmful greenhouse gases. This PhD project aims to address these issues by developing a novel plasma-catalytic process for converting plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuels. The research will leverage zeolites, versatile catalysts with tunable properties, and non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology, which uses partially ionised gases to activate chemical bonds under mild conditions. 

The candidate will explore the integration of plasma catalysis with zeolite-based catalysts to optimize the conversion of plastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals. Specific objectives include:

  • Optimizing the plasma-catalytic process
  • Designing advanced reactors
  • Synthesizing and tailoring zeolite catalysts
  • Investigating the reaction mechanisms governing plasma-zeolite interactions.

This research will provide valuable insights into enhancing the energy efficiency and selectivity of the process while minimizing emissions, contributing to both the reduction of plastic waste and the production of sustainable fuels. 

The project will be structured across four years, with the first two years spent at the University of Liverpool (UoL) and the following two years at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan. In the first year, the student will conduct a comprehensive literature review and work on reactor design, catalyst screening, and basic plasma diagnostics. In the second year, the focus will shift to testing different plastic feedstocks, optimizing NTP parameters, and understanding the correlation between catalysts and selectivity. In the third year, the candidate will engineer zeolite catalysts and delve into the detailed reaction mechanisms using advanced in situ characterisation and plasma modeling techniques. The final year will focus on optimizing operational parameters, evaluating product selectivity, and preparing the PhD thesis. 

This project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and aims to position both the UK and Taiwan as global leaders in sustainable plastic waste-to-fuel technologies. 

Who is this opportunity for?

The project is open to UK and international applicants.

Back to top

How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    If you have any queries about this project, please contact Professor Xin Tu: xin.tu@liverpool.ac.uk.

    Project supervisors

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

Back to top

Funding your PhD

This funded studentship will cover tuition fees and pay a maintenance grant similar to a UKRI studentship (£20,780/year) for 2 years at while in Liverpool and 15000 NDT/month while in Taiwan for 2 years. The studentship also come with additional financial support of a research training support grant which will fund the cost of materials, conference attendance etc.​

Back to top

Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Back to top