Adaptive Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation Technology for Sustainable Biogas Upgrading

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a cornerstone technology in the transition to a low-carbon energy future, converting organic materials and waste streams into renewable energy. Through a naturally occurring biological process, microorganisms operating in oxygen-limited environments break down biodegradable materials to produce biogas, a versatile renewable fuel that can be used for electricity generation, heating, cooling, cooking, and transportation applications. Despite its significant potential, raw biogas typically contains 30-50% carbon dioxide (CO₂) alongside other impurities, reducing its energy content and limiting its wider utilisation. To achieve the quality required for injection into gas grids or use as a transport fuel, biogas must undergo upgrading processes that remove CO₂ and contaminants. Current commercial upgrading technologies, including pressure swing adsorption, chemical scrubbing, membrane separation, and water scrubbing, are often energy-intensive, incur substantial operational costs, and can result in methane losses of up to 8%. These challenges can increase overall biogas production costs by as much as 72%, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. This PhD project will investigate the development of innovative and adaptive approaches for carbon dioxide capture and utilisation within anaerobic digestion systems. The research aims to enhance biogas quality, improve process efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen the carbon neutrality of AD technology. By advancing renewable, low-cost, and energy-efficient biogas upgrading solutions, the project will contribute to the large-scale deployment of sustainable bioenergy systems and support the delivery of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

<p><strong>Training and Development Opportunities</strong></p> <p>The successful candidate will join the BioResource Systems Research Group in the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds and contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of biotechnology, environmental engineering, and sustainable energy systems.</p> <p>The successful candidate will benefit from advanced laboratory training and have opportunities to engage with the group's established industrial partners and stakeholders across the bioenergy, waste, and environmental sectors, offering valuable experience in knowledge exchange, innovation, and real-world technology deployment.</p> <p>The successful candidate will also benefit from the University's extensive researcher training and professional development programme provided by the University of Leeds through Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL) and the Leeds Doctoral College.</p> <p>The successful candidate will have access to a wide range of development opportunities, including research integrity and ethics training, transferable skills development, research communication, leadership, project management, career planning, public engagement, and grant-writing workshops. In addition to technical research training, the successful candidate will be encouraged to participate in national and international conferences, undertake interdisciplinary collaborations, and engage in professional development activities that enhance research impact and leadership capabilities.</p> <p>With global investment in renewable energy, decarbonisation technologies, and circular bioeconomy solutions continuing to grow, this PhD will equip the successful candidate with highly sought-after technical, analytical, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills required for successful careers in the emerging global green economy agenda across academia, industry, and the public sector.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 11px;"><em><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Please note that this replaces a previously advertised project: “Applying climate-resilient biogas upgrade approaches for biohydrogen and biomethane recovery from organic wastes”</span></span></span></em></p>

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2026/27</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine) </strong><br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 February 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Adaptive Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilisation Technology for Sustainable Biogas Upgrading </strong>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/civil-engineering/staff/6694/dr-cynthia-kusin-okoro-shekwaga">Dr Cynthia Kusin Okoro-Shekwaga</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Civil Engineering</strong></p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>Applications will be reviewed and assessed after the closing date of 9^th October 2026. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 9^th October 2026:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate 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 Doctoral Landscape Award, providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate of £21,805 for 3.5 years.Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK and international applicants. </p> <p>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please see our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a>.</p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st February 2027.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Cynthia Kusin Okoro-Shekwaga by emailing <a href="mailto:C.K.OkoroShekwaga@leeds.ac.uk">C.K.OkoroShekwaga@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by emailing <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk/">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>