Zapping Nuclear Waste: Plasma Science for a Cleaner Future

The future of nuclear energy depends on safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable waste management, but cleaning up contaminated materials remains a major challenge. What if we could use plasma — the same state of matter found in lightning and the sun — to tackle nuclear waste? 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.<br /> <br /> This project will revolve around a ground-breaking application. It will investigate whether APPs can remove radioactive contamination from materials used in nuclear sites. This will lead to the reduction of chemical waste and will allow for minimising environmental impact. Moreover, it will explore whether APP treatment can transform nuclear decommissioning, allowing easier disposal and if possible, even achieve repurpose, contributing to a more circular and responsible nuclear economy.<br /> <br /> 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. <br /> <br /> Enthusiastic students from physics, chemistry, materials science, all fields of engineering, and related fields are welcome to apply. To everyone who is willing to work on a transformative technology that can change the future of nuclear cleanup, and contribute to a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable world, this PhD is for you!<br />

<p><strong>Hypothesis</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Aim</strong></p> <p>The aim of this project is to design and optimise an APP system that is 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.</p> <p><strong>Overall Impact</strong></p> <p>This PhD project will not only produce quality publishable outcomes that will progress the fields of plasma science, materials science and engineering, nuclear engineering, but will also provide nuclear engineering with an invaluable new tool. It will promote and advance 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. This is one of the many parallel steps that the field must take in order to transition into a more sustainable reality in our general effort to transition into a sustainable civilisation.</p> <p><strong>CDT information</strong></p> <p>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 Scottland (University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, University of Strathclyde). 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.</p> <p><a href="http://www.saturn-nuclear-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/">SATURN_Nuclear_CDT</a></p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC CDT SATURN – Nuclear Science and Engineering</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Zapping Nuclear Waste: Plasma Science for a Cleaner Future</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/15435/dr-dimitrios-kontziampasis">Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis</a> as your proposed supervisor and <em><strong>in the finance section, please state clearly that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC CDT SATURN</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 11 April 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

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. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>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.  Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to UK applicants only. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in SATURN Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Dimitrios Kontziampasis by email to <a href="mailto:D.Kontziampasis@leeds.ac.uk">D.Kontziampasis@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about the CDT SATURN programme, please contact the CDT SATURN Programme Team by email to <a href="mailto:saturn@manchester.ac.uk">saturn@manchester.ac.uk</a> or Dr Timothy Hunter (Programme Director) by email to <a href="mailto:t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk">t.n.hunter@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>