Engineering mixed plastic recycling via mechanochemical depolymerisation

This is an exciting fully funded PhD studentship opportunity exploring effective technology for mixed plastic recycling into value-added chemicals. The accumulation of plastic wastes is a severe environmental challenge. Present estimates over 380 million tons plastics are produced annually worldwide, only 10% are effectively recycled. On the other hand, the global demand for carbon-based chemicals and materials will reach 1,200 million tons, which still heavily rely on fossil fuels. The ultimate way to boost plastic circularity and meet the increasing carbon feedstock demand is to recover the feedstocks from mixed end-of-life waste, yet such recycling method doesn’t exist at industrial scale due to inefficient process and sizable energy input. 

Therefore, this project will develop a transformative one-pot process to recycle mixed plastic wastes into high-value chemicals. This will be realised by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-assisted mechanochemical reactions, which is effective in oxidative cracking of different polymer chains in mixed plastic wastes. 

As the PhD candidate in this project, you will acquire research skills in mechanochemistry, catalysis and plastic circular economy. Specific activities include:

1. Build the mechanocatalytic reaction platform and establish reaction protocols.
2. Introduce ROS to the mechanochemical reaction, optimise product yield using high-throughput testing platform and Bayesian optimisation.
3. Explore reaction mechanism with advanced characterisation techniques.
4. Expand the reactant feed to mixed PE/PP/PVC plastics for selective product recovery.

You will join a dynamic and inclusive Surrey Circular Economy Group and the Better Water for all Network, with plenty of opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial engagement. Other supports including training opportunities and additional funding for travel. Mentorship for personal and professional development are also available to help with career progression.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Engineering Materials PhD programme.

Candidates must meet Surrey graduate entry requirements which include holding at least an upper second-class degree or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject area such as chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and additional research experience would be an advantage.

We strongly encourage candidates from under-represented groups, including but not limited to Female, Black, Asian, or minoritised ethnic communities (sometimes referred to as BAME). Additional support can be provided upon request.

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.