Zapping Nuclear Waste: Plasma Science for a Cleaner Future - PhD Studentship
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Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Materials Engineering at The University of Leeds
The future of nuclear energy depends on safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable waste management, but cleaning up contaminated materials remains a major challenge. This PhD project explores how atmospheric pressure plasmas (APPs) — high-energy, electrically charged gases — can revolutionise nuclear decontamination in a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable way.
This project will investigate whether APPs can remove radioactive contamination from materials used in nuclear sites, leading to the reduction of chemical waste and minimising environmental impact. Moreover, it will explore whether APP treatment can transform nuclear decommissioning, allowing easier disposal and repurposing, contributing to a more circular and responsible nuclear economy.
This project is highly interdisciplinary, combining plasma science, nuclear engineering, materials science, and environmental sustainability. The student will gain hands-on experience on the design and optimisation of plasma systems, running cutting-edge experiments, and using advanced analysis techniques. Working within the SATURN CDT at the University of Leeds, you will collaborate with experts in materials, plasma surface modification, and nuclear waste management.
Enthusiastic students from physics, chemistry, materials science, all fields of engineering, and related fields are welcome to apply. This PhD is for anyone willing to work on transformative technology that can change the future of nuclear cleanup, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable world!
Hypothesis
Atmospheric pressure plasmas (APPs) can effectively reduce radioactive contamination on solid materials from decommissioned nuclear sites, offering a potential alternative to conventional decontamination methods for safer disposal or repurposing.
Aim
The aim of this project is to design and optimise an APP system suitable for treating metal, ceramic, and polymer contaminated materials, taking advantage of different plasma conditions, i.e. pressure, power, treatment time, as well as chemistries, i.e. Cl2 works better for metals, O2 for polymers, and SF6 for ceramics.
Overall Impact
This PhD project will produce quality publishable outcomes that will progress the fields of plasma science, materials science, engineering, and nuclear engineering. It will promote the use of atmospheric pressure plasma as an innovative tool for nuclear waste decontamination, potentially providing a safer, more effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional cleaning methods.
CDT Information
This project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear). It is led from the University of Manchester and includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scotland. We aim to deliver the next generation of nuclear researchers to help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets and beyond, in a collegial cohort environment. The CDT will also include technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure all candidates are familiar with the nuclear sector, and specialist research skills training.
How to Apply
Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the University’s website. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for EPSRC CDT SATURN – Nuclear Science and Engineering, and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Zapping Nuclear Waste: Plasma Science for a Cleaner Future as well as Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis as your proposed supervisor.
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements.
Entry Requirements
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable university in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.
English Language Requirements
The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) or equivalent.
Funding on Offer
A highly competitive EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN) studentship, offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £20,780 per year for 4 years. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.
Contact Details
For further information about this project, please contact Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis by email to D.Kontziampasis@leeds.ac.uk
For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk
For further information about the CDT SATURN programme, please contact the CDT SATURN Programme Team by email to saturn@manchester.ac.uk or Dr Timothy Hunter (Programme Director) by email to t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk
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