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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. Chemistry
  3. PhD/Research
  4. PhD Projects
  5. Forging a Cleaner Future: Converting/Upcycling Environmental contaminants into High-Value Resources

Forging a Cleaner Future: Converting/Upcycling Environmental contaminants into High-Value Resources

Research Group: Department of Chemistry
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

  •  Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  
  • Available to Chinese applicants only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2026.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

The research group of Dr. Cristina Giordano at Queen Mary University of London is seeking outstanding and motivated PhD candidates to develop next generation of functional materials, in the field of renewable energy and processes. Our work is dedicated to alleviating environmental challenges and safeguarding our planet’s resources.

We offer a unique, student-centred research environment. You will have the opportunity to develop a PhD project that aligns with your specific research interests within our broad areas of expertise, including:

  • Biomass conversion and valorisation.
  • CO2 reduction into valuable materials.
  • Plastic degradation (from pollutions to added value resources).
  • Developing unconventional materials (beyond liquid metals).

Keywords: Circular Economy: Upcycling / Valorisation, ​Green Chemistry, ​Environmental Remediation, ​Sustainable Processes, ​Functional Materials

If you are passionate about innovation for a sustainable future, please contact Dr. Cristina Giordano directly at c.giordano@qmul.ac.uk to discuss your interests and potential projects.

Learn more about our group: https://www.giordanogroup.org/

Our research is published in leading international journals. Examples of our work are:

  • Li X., Giordani S., Muthuperiyanayagam A., Di Tommaso D., Giordano C.,

“Controlled synthesis of NiFe alloy nanoparticles confined in carbon matrices: study on the effect of morphology on enhanced oxygen evolution reaction”, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2026, 704, 1 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139301

  • Jeyachandran N., Yuan W., Li X., Muthuperiyanayagam A., Gardoni S, Feng J., Gao Q., Wilding M., Wells P., Di Tommaso D., Giordano C., Tuning the crystallinity of Cu-based electrocatalysts: Synthesis, structure, and activity towards the CO2 reduction reaction, Applied Materials Today, 41, 2024, 102466 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2024.102466
  • Hasanova I, Jeyachandran I, Maderuelo-Solera R., Maireles-Torres P., Antonio Cecilia J., Giordano C. “Multi-metal catalysts for selective furfural hydrogenation: Toward biomass valorisation”, Chemical-engineering Research and Design, Vol 200, 2023, 786-792, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cherd.2023.11.014
  • Defilippi C., Shinde D. V., Dang Z., Manna L., Hardacre C., Greer A. J., D’Agostino C., Giordano C. , “HfN nanoparticles: an Unexplored Catalyst for the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction”, Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, vol. 58, (no. 43), 2019, 15464, https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201908758

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Chemistry programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 28th  of January 2026

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Cristina Giordano

Email: c.giordano@qmul.ac.uk

QMUL and the Chemistry Department

The Queen Mary University of London (part of the prestigious Russel’s Group) is one of the top Universities in London and among the top best Universities world‐wide, with 9 Nobel Prize Winners, a great international background, and infrastructures. One of the most inclusive University (170+ nationalities) and  Finalist for University of the Year at THE Awards 2025

  • Top 10 UK University and Top 100 Global University (US News & World Report 2025)
  • Top 10% Global Universities (Times Higher Education 2025)
  • Top 1% for Research (Times Higher Education 2025)
  • Top 10 in UK for research impact in Chemistry (REF 2021)

Information about the region: London, capital city of the United Kingdom, is a world cultural capital, a leading global city with strengths in the arts, education, entertainment, fashion, media, research and development. London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe, and it is first in the world university rankings.

SPCS Academics: Dr Cristina Giordano

Requirements

We welcome applicants with a strong background in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields.

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
  • You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all other categories.  English certificate will be required at application stage.

SPCS Academics: Dr Cristina Giordano

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