Microfluidic microbial electrosynthesis: mechanistic understanding and sustainability assessment for CO₂-to-chemicals conversion

Converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into sustainable fuels and chemicals is essential for achieving net-zero targets and enabling a circular manufacturing economy. Microbial electrosynthesis (MES), where electroactive microorganisms use electrical energy to convert CO₂ into valuable products such as acetate and ethanol, offers a promising low-carbon pathway. However, MES systems remain difficult to optimise and scale because microbial–electrode interactions, reaction microenvironments, and operating conditions are tightly coupled and poorly understood, limiting reliable industrial deployment.

This PhD project will address this challenge by developing a next-generation experimental platform integrating microfluidic bioelectrochemical reactors, real-time operando characterisation, and sustainability assessment. The student will design microreactors capable of precisely controlling reaction environments and systematically investigate how microscale conditions influence microbial activity, product selectivity, and system stability. Advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic diagnostics will be used to probe microbial–electrode processes in real time, while promising configurations will be evaluated at larger scale alongside lifecycle and techno-economic analyses to assess their industrial feasibility.

The project will be based at the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), University of Surrey, which provides state-of-the-art facilities in electrochemistry, microfabrication, and operando characterisation. The student will be supervised by Dr Kai Yang, whose research focuses on electrochemical systems, microfluidic diagnostics, and in-situ characterisation, and by Professor Jhuma Sadhukhan, an internationally recognised expert in sustainable bioprocess systems, life-cycle assessment, and techno-economic modelling of low-carbon technologies. Her extensive industrial collaborations and leadership in circular manufacturing and bioelectrochemical systems will ensure strong links between fundamental research and real-world deployment. Collaboration with industrial partners, including LeafTech and LinkZill, will provide insight into real-world carbon utilisation challenges and deployment pathways.

This interdisciplinary training environment will equip the student with skills across microfluidics, bioelectrochemistry, operando analysis, and sustainable process design, preparing them for careers in climate technology, sustainable manufacturing, and carbon utilisation innovation.

This studentship is open to Home applicants interested in research related to electrochemical systems, biological processes, and sustainable manufacturing approaches linked to net-zero goals.

Familiarity with areas such as electrochemistry, microbial or bioelectrochemical systems, microfluidics, analytical techniques, or process modelling may be useful, as would experience with laboratory work, experimental methods, or data analysis gained through research projects, placements, or technical work.

The project combines independent investigation with collaboration across disciplines at the University of Surrey. We welcome applicants who are interested in exploring complex scientific questions, learning new techniques, and contributing to a shared research environment.

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