Investigating heteroaggregation and settling of engineered nanoparticles, phytoplankton, and clay particles in seawater conditions for marine-based carbon dioxide removal
- Fully Funded PhD Position
- Dr Peyman Babakhani & Dr Juan Liu
- Monday, September 07, 2026
- University of Manchester (UK) & Peking University (China)
- UK | China
About the Project
This joint PhD programme addresses the urgent need for negative emission technologies by investigating marine-based carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Specifically, you will study how engineered nanoparticles (ENPs)—such as iron oxide—can fertilise oceans to boost phytoplankton growth, converting CO₂ into organic matter that sinks and stores carbon for centuries.
Your research will focus on heteroaggregation (interactions between ENPs, phytoplankton, and clay particles) and settling dynamics to optimise this approach for real-world application.
Programme Structure:
Year 1 & 4: University of Manchester (experimental techniques & modelling)
Year 2 & 3: Peking University (advanced single-cell analysis & data collection)
Key Research Areas:
Heteroaggregation & Settling of Nanoparticles
Phytoplankton Growth & Extracellular Polymeric Substances
Population Balance & Individual-Cell Modelling
Ocean Fertilisation for Carbon Removal
Apply via the University of Manchester online portal. Prepare:
- Full project name & supervisor details
- Funding plan
- Previous study transcripts
- Two referee contact details
- Full tuition fee waiver at both institutions.
- UKRI-rate stipend (~£21,805/year) while in Manchester + flight allowance.
- China Link Scholarship (CLS) stipend while at Peking (comparable to UKRI rate).
- Guaranteed accommodation at Peking University.
- Research Training Grant (£5,000/year for consumables).
- Education: Upper second-class (2:1) Honours degree (or Master's at Merit) in Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related.
- Eligibility: UK & international students welcome (Chinese nationals apply via Peking University).
- English: IELTS 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in writing/listening, 5.5 in others) or equivalent.
- Skills: Willingness to travel and study across two continents.
