This is an exciting opportunity to study for a fully funded PhD under the EPSRC-funded EnerHy CDT at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, in collaboration with Immaterial. The project will advance MOF-based carbon capture through experimental testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling, targeting improved sorbent performance, reactor design, and system optimisation. Offering an annual tax-free stipend of £20,780 and tuition fees covered for home students, this PhD also provides funding to support attendance at international conferences, workshops, and networking events.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as one of the most promising carbon capture materials for advancing net-zero and industrial decarbonisation, as highlighted by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded for their development. With exceptionally high surface areas, tunable pore structures and chemical versatility, MOFs enable precise control over gas adsorption and selectivity, making them highly effective for capturing and separating COâ‚‚ from energy sector. Continued research to enhance their stability, regeneration efficiency, and integration is strengthening their practical viability, positioning MOFs as a key enabler in achieving global net-zero goals.
 
The project aims to develop and optimise structured monolithic metal-organic frameworks (m-MOFs) for effective carbon capture from industrial gas streams. The research will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterisation of m-MOFs with tailored properties to meet the specific requirements of industrial-scale separations. Advanced modelling techniques, including dynamic process simulation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), will be used to understand adsorption performance and process design. In addition, experimental work will involve comprehensive characterisation of m-MOFs based reactors followed by performance testing under relevant operating conditions (e.g. pressure swing and temperature swing adsorption) in the presence of moisture and other typical flue gas impurities. The outcomes will support the development of scalable, efficient carbon capture solutions aligned with industrial decarbonisation goals.
 
The outcomes of this project will contribute to the development of more efficient, cost-effective MOF-based carbon capture technologies, which are vital for meeting net-zero targets.
 
Our project partner,  is a Cambridge, UK based company which innovates further on the recent Nobel Prize winning chemistry recognition for metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The company has a proprietary technology platform to apply monolithic metal-organic frameworks (m-MOFs) with engineering design solutions for multiple industrial sectors. Immaterial is aiming to reduce the financial cost of industrial decarbonisation by bringing to market bespoke advanced materials which are optimized to a specific use case, manufactured at scale through proprietary methods, and combined with novel process engineering innovation. These systems have the potential to reduce the footprint, CAPEX and OPEX of industrial decarbonisation process systems across multiple applications, making these solutions economic within the existing incentive mechanisms.
 
The successful candidate will:

 

  • Design and conduct experiments to characterise m-MOFs.
  • Develop CFD models and dynamic process simulations to support process and reactor design.
  • Define research questions and plan the programme of work.
  • Undertake literature reviews, conduct independent research, and report progress.
  • Disseminate findings through high-impact journals, conferences, and workshops.
  • Collaborate closely with the project partner, including opportunities to explore m-MOF integration at industrial scale.
 
The researcher will become part of the EPSRC-funded EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training, so will join a community of researchers and have substantial training and development opportunities.  The researcher can also spend training time based at the Immaterial site.

At a glance

  • Application deadline03 Dec 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date26 Jan 2026
  • Duration of award4 years (full-time) and up to 8 years (part-time)
  • EligibilityUK
  • Reference numberCRAN-0030

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Fluid Mechanics or a related discipline. This project would suit applicants with experience in practical working, either in a laboratory or in an industrial setting.

Funding

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a home student. We require that applicants are under no restrictions regarding how long they can stay in the UK. 

Sponsored by The EPSRC EnerHy CDT in collaboration with Sustainable Plastic Solutions. This studentship will provide a bursary of up to £20,780 (tax free) plus tuition fees for UK (home) students for four years. 

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in our CDT program, and warmly encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. We particularly welcome students with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those who identify with diverse ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. Cranfield strives to provide an accessible and inclusive environment to enable all doctoral candidates to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing. 

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum and Stonewall University Champions Programme. 

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Ali Nabavi 
Email: s.nabavi@cranfield.ac.uk  
Phone: +44 (0) 1234 754225 

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the 

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received. Therefore, we encourage early submission, as the position may be filled before the stated deadline.