This is an exciting opportunity to study for a fully funded PhD under the EPSRC-funded EnerHy CDT at 探花精选, in collaboration with Origen. The project will advance lime-based Direct Air Capture (DAC) through experimental testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, targeting improved sorbent performance, reactor design, and system optimisation. Offering an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 and tuition fees covered for home students, this PhD also provides funding to support attendance at international conferences, workshops, and networking events.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) using lime-based systems is emerging as a promising approach for large-scale atmospheric CO鈧� removal. By reacting CO鈧� directly with calcium-based sorbents, DAC offers a scalable route to permanent carbon sequestration, aligning with urgent climate targets. However, significant challenges remain in improving sorbent performance, reactor design, and process efficiency to reduce energy consumption and cost, while ensuring material durability under repeated cycles. Addressing these challenges is critical for advancing lime-based DAC towards commercial deployment.
This project aims to enhance lime-based DAC through a combined programme of experimental research and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling. Experimental work will characterise sorbent stability, reactivity, and regeneration behaviour under realistic operating conditions, while CFD simulations will optimise reactor design and heat transfer. By integrating these approaches, the project will deliver strategies for process intensification and system optimisation, directly contributing to the development of Origen’s cost-effective, scalable DAC technology.
The researcher will become part of the EPSRC-funded EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training, so will join a community of researchers and have substantial training and development opportunities. The researcher can also spend significant periods of time based at the Origen site.
At a glance
- Application deadline22 Oct 2025
- Award type(s)PhD
- Start date26 Jan 2026
- Duration of award4 years (full-time) and up to 8 years (part-time)
- EligibilityUK
- Reference numberCRAN-0018
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics or a related discipline. This project would suit applicants with experience in practical working, either in a laboratory or in an industrial setting.Funding
TTo be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK.
Sponsored by The EPSRC EnerHy CDT in collaboration with Sustainable Plastic Solutions. This studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,780 (tax free) plus tuition fees for UK (home) students for four years.
Diversity and Inclusion at 探花精选
We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. 探花精选 strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential.
At 探花精选, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.
We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme.
探花精选 Doctoral Network
Research students at 探花精选 benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 探花精选 Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.
How to apply
For further information please contact:
Name: Dr Ali Nabavi
Email: s.nabavi@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 1234 754225
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.
