PhD Studentship: Breaking forever Capturing and converting toxic PFAS molecules using coral structured biochars from blade waste

3 weeks ago


Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

Humans tend to generate and abandon a lot of waste while they innovate. Some of this waste can be easily recycled, others not so much. Although technologies are slowly emerging, biorenewable waste generated by decommissioning wind turbine blades (balsa wood) has a finite life before it naturally decomposes. Although wind turbine blade recycling has started to take off, as has the production of biodegradable blade materials, there is still a surplus of current and ancestral waste. We can circumvent the natural carbon cycle and add value to our waste, provide a new lease of life whilst limit the release of carbon. This project investigates the production of next generation waste-derived materials for environmental protection activities, by removing forever chemicals and reducing fluorine contamination.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used since the 1940s for hydrophobic protection, corrosion and grease-resistant coatings (non-stick coatings on cookware). This family of chemicals are organofluorine derived, containing a large number of fluorine atoms. This functionality is the core reason for their success over the years, however it is also the reason for their all-round stability and inability to biodegrade. This factor has established PFAS molecules as "forever chemicals" due to their lingering nature. While already banned in areas of Europe and the United Kingdom, the USA will phase out PFAS usage within the next few years. The sudden ban on PFAS production is tied to the toxic nature of the dissolved chemicals in water systems, where exposure has been found to lead to liver and immune system damage, as well as a direct link to many cancers for humans. For marine life, PFAS molecules have been found to hinder the growth and photosynthesis of phytoplankton and the reproduction of zooplankton where it will then bioaccumulate in fish and other aquatic wildlife.

A low carbon solution to yet another human-made problem is through the functionalisation and deployment of photoactive biochars. Here, through pre- and post-processing of balsa wood (taken from decommissioned wind turbines), biochars can be produced with a defined pore architecture and expansive surface area, this makes them ideal materials as adsorbents and catalyst supports. This project will focus on the re-purposing of balsa wood waste for capturing and catalytically converting organic pollutants, reducing environmental contamination for companies and generating new products and supply chains where possible.

Training & Skills

The student will be trained in materials characterisation technologies such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry, powder x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, nitrogen physisorption, Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry, slow pyrolysis, the engineering of pore networks and colloidal nanoparticle synthesis routes (wet chemistry). This wealth of technical knowledge will allow the student to carry on an academic career, operate as a technologist, senior laboratory operator or Environmental Protection Officer.

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student, drawing on the expertise and facilities of our academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.



  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    The offshore wind sector is rapidly expanding to meet net-zero energy demands. Individual turbines and farms are getting larger and further from shore, with individual turbines spanning 240 m in diameter and farms reaching 600 km2. Forced by spatial constraints, but enabled by floating technology, farms are now developing in deeper waters, occupying...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Work in offshore settings requires workers to engage in a variety of potentially risky, physically, and mentally demanding tasks. In 2019, 865 offshore accidents were reported, and similar numbers of incidents (including near hit/miss, amongst others) were reported in 2022. Human error is reported to be one of the most common causes of accidents on OSW...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Applicants are required to submit a current CV and cover letter.Job advertisement for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) Background and Context: Join the innovative Translational Diabetes Research Lab at the Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity (BIM) based at Hull York Medical School (HYMS), University of Hull. Led by Dr. Amin Ardestani, the lab is...

  • Administrator

    4 weeks ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom The Forward Trust Careers Full time

    AdministratorJob Type:Part TimeLocation:Hull Salary : £12,600 per annum Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a difference?Do you want flexibility within your working hours? If the answer to those questions ae yes, then this role may be for you. The Forward Trust are a Charity organisation that are committed to change and supporting individuals...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Prestige Recruitment Specialists Full time

    Kitchen Assistant Enhanced child workforce DBSHULL - HU3 Area Monday to Friday 11.44 per hourMust have food hygiene certificateTo assist in the provision of a comprehensive and cost-effective catering service that meets the needs of the Academy.Duties will include assisting in the preparation, storage, packaging, distribution, cooking and service of meals,...

  • Hygiene Operative

    21 hours ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Prestige Recruitment Specialists Full time

    CRANSWICK GOURMET KITCHEN IN HULL ARE LOOKING TO EXPAND ITS NIGHT HYGIENE TEAM AND ARE LOOKING TO RECRUIT FOR NUMEROUS FACTORY POSITIONS FULL TIME MONDAY TO FRIDAY. Are you self-motivated and hardworking? Are you available and flexible to work on afternoon Monday to Friday? Are you looking for on-going work full time and the opportunity of a permanent...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom NRL Recruitment Full time

    NRL's client based in Hull is looking to recruit a Planning & Scheduling Lead on a permanent staff basis, site based in Hull. About the role:Responsible for ensuring that the systems and processes used for maintenance planning and scheduling deliver a best-in-class maintenance service to the site Asset Teams.This role will need to own the planning and...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Fixed Term - 9 months apprenticeshipDo you want to be skilled Chef working with a balanced work schedule and a supportive team environment? We're looking for a passionate individual to join our campus kitchen team as an apprentice.Our Apprentice will thrive in a variety of culinary settings, from staff and student dining to retail offers and fine dining...

  • Housekeeper

    21 hours ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Nuffield Health Full time

    HousekeeperNuffield Health York Hospital | Cleaning | Permanent | Part Time £23,418.50 per annum20 hours per week - 07:00 to 11:00 am Monday to Friday At Nuffield Health the UKs largest healthcare charity, everything we give our patients, members and customers would not be possible without you. Your passion, your warmth, your drive to make a difference....

  • Teacher of MFL

    4 weeks ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Sirius Academy West Full time

    The Constellation Trust CEO & Board of Directors are seeking to appoint to the following post:Teacher of MFL (specialising in Spanish/French) *ECTs/UPS welcome to apply*Salary: Main pay rangeContract: Full-Time Start date: Sept 2024The role:We are seeking to recruit a highly imaginative and enthusiastic Teacher of MFL specialising in Spanish/French to join...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Applicants are expected to upload a CV and covering letterAbout the role An innovative service leader, with commercial acumen, and knowledge and experience of UK student recruitment markets and practices – and widening access and participation practice, including collaborative partnerships. Capable of building relationships with senior stakeholders...

  • Teacher of Maths

    2 weeks ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Newland School for Girls Full time

    Teacher of MathematicsSalary: MPS/ UPSFull Time PermanentSeptember 2024The Thrive Co-operative Learning Trust is responsible for ten schools across Hull; three secondary and seven primary. A Thrive school is one that is a dynamic community of staff, pupils and their families all focussed on one thing - inspiring pupils to thrive in life. Newland School for...

  • Primary Teacher

    21 hours ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Estcourt Primary Academy Full time

    Estcourt Primary Academy are looking to appoint a Primary Teacher to join our academy in September 2024 on a full-time temporary basis.Are you looking for a role that will enable you to influence and give direction to the children in your classes? Do you want to work for a Trust that is transforming educational outcomes for students in some of the most...

  • Pipe Welders

    21 hours ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Bilfinger Full time

    Pipe Welders Location: Hull Bilfinger UK is a leading engineering and maintenance provider, supporting customers across the chemical & petrochemical, nuclear, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals & biopharma, power & energy, utilities, renewables and food & beverage markets. We enhance the efficiency of assets, ensuring a high level of availability and reducing...

  • Senior Administrator

    20 hours ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom Office Angels Full time

    Senior AdministratorAre you immediately available for temporary work with a view to going permanent? 25, ,000 per annumFull time Are you an organised and detail-oriented individual? Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to showcase your administrative skills? We are currently seeking a Senior Administrator to join a dynamic team This role is perfect...

  • Family Solicitor

    1 month ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom CRA Legal Full time

    Job Title: Family SolicitorSalary: £35,000 to £55,000Location: HullContract: Full Time, PermanentThe organisation will offer you the following employment benefits package: The firm offer a varied and comprehensive employee offering in the form of great benefits, a supportive environment, excellent working culture with achievable routes of progression...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    This one-year post will be in the Department of Academic Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Centre for Clinical Sciences , Hull York Medical School, University of Hull. It will provide an opportunity for candidates who wish to pursue a career in Diabetes and Endocrinology to undertake a research project leading to a higher degree. Clinical and...

  • TSS Receptionist

    6 days ago


    Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    As a member of the Hull Sport Reception team the post holder will be focused in delivering an excellent customer experience to current and prospective gym members and facility hirers consisting of Students, Staff members and the local community.This will be achieved by interacting with our users over phone, email, social media and face to face in order to...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom University of Hull Full time

    Applicants are required to submit a current CV and cover letterThe University of Hull is operating in an increasingly complex, challenging and competitive environment. We have therefore developed a renewed, ambitious and distinctive vision for the University – to shape a fairer, brighter, carbon-neutral future for all. That vision gives us a shared sense...


  • Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom CRA Legal Full time

    Job Title: Civil Litigation SolicitorSalary: £35,000 to £55,000Location: HullContract: Full Time, PermanentThe organisation will offer you the following employment benefits package: The firm offer a varied and comprehensive employee offering in the form of great benefits, a supportive environment, excellent working culture with achievable routes of...