Development of Shape-stabilised PCMs from Agricultural Waste for Clean Energy Applications

Agriculture contributes to the world’s economic growth by accounting for 4 % of the global gross domestic product (The World Bank, 2023). However, agricultural activities have some negative impacts on the climate, including the use of resources and emissions due to straw burning. Straw burning is common in South Asian countries accounting for close to 80% of the emissions in some of them and causing transboundary air pollution issues even in Europe (UNECE, 2022). Reducing emissions and energy consumption in parallel with increasing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources and sustainable materials are key actions in the energy challenge. 

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) offer a promising solution by providing thermal storage, management, and regulation, as well as waste heat recovery. These materials can bridge the gap between energy demand and production, particularly in solar systems. PCMs have vast potential applications in passive building temperature control, heating and cooling systems, photovoltaic (PV/PVT) systems, and even clean cooking technologies. However, challenges such as long-term stability, low thermal conductivity, leakage and the need for sustainable materials must be overcome to fully realize their benefits. Shape-stabilized PCMs (SS-PCMs) have been studied to maintain shape stability and prevent leakage problems using porous structures such as carbon and silica skeletons, metal frameworks and polymers. 

Sustainable Development Goals targets have promoted the interest in bio-based materials and agriculture residues like natural fibres, lignocellulosic or biochar, with natural porous structures that are excellent for preparing SS-PCMs. Utilising waste natural fibres or lignocellulosic materials as PCM supports offers multiple benefits: significant cost reduction, waste valorisation, and reduced carbon emissions compared to incineration (aligning with SDGs 3, 7, 11-13, and 15). However, this research area is still under development and requires further exploration due to the wide variety of bio-based materials. 

In this context, the project focuses on the selection and sustainable transformation of agricultural waste into a novel, entirely bio-based composite Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials (SS-PCMs), evaluation into passive energy applications and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). This innovative project tackles energy challenges by harnessing a readily available resource: agricultural waste and its transformation into high-value SS-PCMs promoting energy savings and improved efficiency for clean energy applications. 

The innovation potential of this project can directly contribute to two sustainable development goals: climate action and affordable and clean energy and the proposed project is aligned with the principles of responsible innovation to generate a positive impact on society ethically and responsibly. 

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Material Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Carolina Costa Pereira ([email protected]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

Contact details

Should you need more information, please email [email protected].

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here. To be considered, the application must use:

• “SCEBE1024” as project code.
• the advertised title as project title 

Download a copy of the project details here