Degradation mechanisms of cement/steel-cement interfaces with novel cementitious materials in simulated Carbon Capture/Storage wellbore conditions

Geological Carbon Capture and Storage is a critical technology for reducing global carbon dioxide emissions and achieving net-zero targets. A key challenge in carbon capture and storage is maintaining the long-term integrity of injection wells used to store carbon dioxide deep underground. These wells consist of steel casing surrounded by a cement sheath that isolates the well from surrounding rock formations. Exposure to high pressure, high temperature environments and supercritical carbon dioxide can degrade cement and steel cement interfaces, potentially compromising well integrity and leading to leakage pathways.<br /> <br /> This PhD project will investigate the degradation mechanisms affecting cement and steel cement interfaces in simulated carbon capture storage wellbore environments. The research will focus on developing and evaluating novel cementitious materials and additives designed to improve chemical resistance and long-term durability under carbon dioxide rich conditions.<br /> <br /> The project will involve experimental investigation of cement carbonation, corrosion processes and interface stability under high pressure, high temperature conditions representative of carbon capture storage wells wells. The role of carbon dioxide impurities, fluid chemistry and material composition in accelerating degradation will be examined. Advanced characterisation techniques will be used to monitor microstructural changes, corrosion behaviour and phase transformations in cement and steel cement interfaces.<br /> <br /> The research will be conducted in collaboration with industry partner SLB and the Institute of Functional Surfaces at the University of Leeds, which has extensive expertise in corrosion science and materials degradation in demanding environments. The successful candidate may have the opportunity to undertake a placement at the SLB Research and Development facilities in Aberdeen, gaining exposure to industrial wellbore testing systems and carbon capture storage technologies. This project will provide fundamental understanding of degradation processes in carbon capture storage well materials and contribute to the development of more durable cement systems for subsurface energy infrastructure. The outcomes will support safe and reliable carbon dioxide storage, reduce environmental risks and help enable large-scale deployment of carbon capture storage technologies.

<p><strong>Project Overview</strong></p> <p>Carbon Capture and Storage is recognised as a key technology for achieving global net zero targets by enabling the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in deep geological formations. The long term safety and effectiveness of carbon capture storage operations depend critically on the integrity of injection wells used to transport and store carbon dioxide underground. These wells typically consist of steel casing surrounded by a cement sheath, which provides structural support and hydraulic isolation from surrounding geological formations. However, exposure to supercritical carbon dioxide, high pressures, elevated temperatures, and chemically reactive fluids can degrade both the cement sheath and the steel cement interface. Such degradation processes may include cement carbonation, dissolution, microstructural alteration, and steel corrosion, which could compromise well integrity over time. Understanding these degradation mechanisms is essential for designing more durable wellbore materials and ensuring safe long term carbon capture storage.</p> <p>This PhD project will study how cementitious materials and steel cement interfaces degrade under simulated carbon capture and storage wellbore conditions. It will identify chemical and mechanical degradation mechanisms affecting wellbore cement exposed to supercritical carbon dioxise and investigate corrosion processes at the steel cement interface, assessing their impact on long term well integrity. The project will evaluate new cement additives and formulations designed for durability in carbon capture storage environments, examining the effects of carbon dioxide  impurities, fluid chemistry, pressure, and temperature on material degradation. The goal is to develop insights to guide the selection and design of advanced wellbore cement systems.</p> <p>The project is conducted in collaboration with SLB, a global leader in subsurface engineering and well construction technologies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry researchers and may undertake a placement at the SLB Research and Development facilities in Aberdeen to gain experience with industrial wellbore testing systems.</p> <p><strong>Training and Career Development</strong></p> <p>The student will receive comprehensive training in cement chemistries, advanced materials characterisation, and corrosion testing at HTHP. They will have access to workshops, doctoral training events, and industrial placements through Schlumberger. As a PhD researcher, you will gain comprehensive training in:<br /> •    Cement chemistry and materials design, with hands on experience in developing and testing high performance cementitious systems.<br /> •    Advanced characterisation techniques, including Xray tomography, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical testing of cement steel interfaces.<br /> •    Corrosion science, with exposure to supercritical carbon dioxide and impurity rich environments under high pressure and high temperature conditions.</p> <p><strong>Skills Required </strong><br /> This interdisciplinary project is aligned with global net zero goals and offers industrial collaboration with SLB. The research is aligned with facilities and research expertise in the Institute of Fuunctional Surfaces and would develop researcher for in demand skills in cutting edge field such as carbon capture and storage infrastructure.</p> <p> We are looking for a motivated researcher with:<br /> •    Strong interest in cement chemistry, corrosion, or materials science.<br /> •    Curiosity and problem-solving skills to tackle complex degradation mechanisms in carbon capture and storage environments.<br /> •    Enthusiasm for working across disciplines, from chemistry and engineering to climate technologies.<br /> •    Willingness to engage with advanced laboratory experiments and to collaborate with both academic and industrial partners.</p> <p>Prior experience with materials characterisation, cement/concrete testing, or corrosion analysis is beneficial but not essential; training will be provided.</p> <p><strong>Research Environment and Collaboration</strong></p> <p>The project will be hosted within the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, working closely with the Institute of Functional Surfaces, which has internationally recognised expertise in corrosion science, surface engineering and materials degradation in demanding environments.</p> <p>The Institute of Functional Surfaces at the University of Leeds is a world leading centre for research into the science and engineering of surfaces and interfaces. Surfaces play a critical role in determining the performance and reliability of engineering systems, from energy and transport to healthcare and manufacturing. The Institute of Functional Surfaces focuses on three core areas: tribology, surface engineering, and corrosion and flow assurance, addressing challenges that span from the nanoscale to large scale industrial applications.</p> <p>PhD students at the Institute of Functional Surfaces work on cutting edge projects on materials, surfaces and interfaces, addressing critical global challenges related to climate change, sustainable energy, and advanced healthcare technologies. Research includes environmentally friendly lubrication solutions and low friction coatings for energy efficiency, corrosion mitigation solutions for energy and carbon abatement systems, and innovative surface treatments for biomedical implants. With access to world class facilities through the University Bragg Centre and strong collaborations with industry, students gain hands on experience and real world impact.</p> <p>Joining the Institute of Functional Surfaces means becoming part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community committed to advancing technology for a sustainable and resilient future, while building expertise highly valued across academia and industry.</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 Engineering and Physical Sciences DTP.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</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>Degradation mechanisms of cement/steel-cement interfaces with novel cementitious materials in simulated Carbon Capture/Storage wellbore conditions</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/8900/dr-yuvaraj-dhandapani">Dr Yuvaraj Dhandapandi</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 (Industrial Competition) 2026/27.</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 Friday 24 April 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 Friday 24 April 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 (Industrial Competition) Studentship, in collaboration with SLB, offering the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 and an additional top-up of £4,000 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to all applicants. All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award (Industrial Competition) Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> Please note that there is only 1 funded places available to UK applicants only. Please note that whilst you may be successful in securing an academic offer for any project linked to this funding opportunity, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p><strong>Important: Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award</strong></p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria </strong></p> <p>•    Applications are open to either International or Home (UK) applicants</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 October 2026.</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 Yuvuaraj Dhandapandi by email to <a href="mailto:Y.Dhandapani@leeds.ac.uk">Y.Dhandapani@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>