[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] Engineering MOF-Biochar Composites for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants

About the project

About the Project Can we engineer sustainable materials that remove some of the most persistent and challenging contaminants from water? Water pollution is an increasingly important global challenge, with complex wastewater streams containing mixtures of heavy metals, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other emerging micropollutants. Many of these contaminants are persistent, toxic and difficult to remove using conventional treatment technologies. Developing efficient, affordable and sustainable materials for their removal is therefore an important environmental engineering challenge. This PhD project will develop metal organic framework (MOF)-biochar composites as next-generation materials for advanced water treatment. Biochar is a sustainable, carbon-rich material produced from biomass and has a porous structure and tunable surface chemistry. MOFs are highly engineered porous materials whose pore structure and chemical functionality can be tailored for specific applications. By combining these two materials, the project aims to create composites that overcome some of the limitations of conventional biochar and MOFs while delivering enhanced contaminant removal and reusability. The central research hypothesis is that careful engineering of the interface between MOFs and biochar can produce stable composite materials with improved adsorption capacity, selectivity and durability for challenging contaminants compared with conventional biochar. The research will investigate: • Material design: synthesis and optimisation of biochar and MOF–biochar composites through controlled physical and chemical modification. • Contaminant removal: evaluation of the removal of selected challenging contaminants, potentially including heavy metals, PFAS and other emerging micropollutants. • Removal mechanisms: investigation of how pore structure, surface chemistry and MOF-biochar interactions control contaminant adsorption. • Realistic conditions: assessment of performance under different pH, water chemistry and competing-contaminant conditions. • Regeneration and reuse: evaluation of adsorption-desorption cycles, material stability and the potential for contaminant recovery and responsible end-of-life management. The student will receive multidisciplinary training in materials synthesis, environmental engineering, adsorption science and advanced materials characterisation. Depending on the materials developed, techniques may include BET surface area and pore-size analysis, FTIR, XPS, TGA, microscopy and other analytical methods. The student will also develop expertise in experimental design, adsorption kinetics and isotherm modelling, data analysis and scientific communication. The project will be supported by a multidisciplinary supervisory team and access to specialist research facilities and analytical expertise. The student will have opportunities to work collaboratively, present their research at national and international conferences, and publish their findings in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. The expected outcome is a fundamental understanding of how MOF-biochar composites can be engineered to tackle challenging water contaminants, together with the development of sustainable and potentially reusable sorbent materials. The research could contribute to future low-cost technologies for advanced water treatment, pollution control and resource recovery. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here. . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as Environmental/Civil/Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or Chemistry (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as Environmental/Civil/Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or Chemistry (or international equivalent). Previous research experience in laboratory research, materials characterisation, adsorption, water treatment or environmental engineering is desirable. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoE

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