Postgraduate research opportunities Green Circular Economy Using Hydrogen Derivatives

The UK currently imports all its copper, nickel, cobalt, and a variety of other critical metals from overseas. This poses not only a supply security threat, but also frustrates the aim of decarbonising since most of the imported material is produced using pyrometallurgical methods and have to be transported to the UK from the Far East, both of which have a large carbon footprint. As this country approaches net-zero, it is anticipated that the electricity grid will require expansion – with a concomitant requirement for many of the metals used for generation (such as magnetic and rare-earths metals), distribution through the grid network (i.e. cables), and well as power transformation at consumer end.

Indeed, for energy security and attaining net-zero targets, we need the capability to produce high-grade materials using decarbonised processes within the UK and Scotland. While we continue to import metals produced elsewhere in the globe which impacts the planet, there is abundant availability of metals in land fills and recycling companies. Therefore we can start viewing the surface storage of electronic waste and as the new "mines" and develop mining processes for these e-waste material.

In this project the student is expected to work in a team, alongside employees of the supporting company, to develop new chemical processes and corresponding technology for recovery of metals from mixed e-waste. The work will require both practical and modelling approaches, and needs someone who can interact with the team and work at pace to develop such processes. In particular, both leaching and reclamation of the metal will require understanding of electrochemistry and chemical engineering.

Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert)

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development, which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Further information

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnicity, women, LGBT+, and disabled candidates, and candidates from lower socio-economic groups and care-experienced backgrounds.