Recovery of Metals from Waste Batteries Using Novel Sustainable Materials
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers several potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Battery recycling aligns with Scotland's commitment to combating climate change. By reducing the reliance on primary resource extraction and extending the life cycle of batteries through recycling, Scotland can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining, manufacturing, and disposal. This supports the country's climate goals and helps in achieving a low-carbon future.
With the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, the demand for batteries is increasing. By focusing on battery recycling, Scotland can support the transition to clean energy by ensuring a sustainable supply of materials for battery production. This contributes to the development of a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Recycling EV batteries allows for the recovery of valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other metals. These materials can be reused in the production of new batteries, reducing the need for extracting and processing virgin resources. This helps conserve natural resources and reduces the associated costs of mining and refining.
Currently, there are different processes used to recycle, recover metals from batteries. One of the most used methods is Pyrometallurgical recovery. This method is currently established and widely used, however there are some important drawbacks for example: this process produces toxic gases which need to be captured or remediated. Secondly, the process has a huge energy cost.
Aims
The aim of this project is to develop a sustainable material to be utilised in recovery of critical raw materials for batteries. This project will play an important role in helping to establish a more environmentally friendly process to recycle batteries and recover metals.
Objectives and Methodology
The primary objective of this project is: a) To develop a sustainable material from biomass with some specific properties. This priming the way for the second stage of the project which will be: b) To test the suitable materials using different analytical techniques. At this stage, different characterisation techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray analysis. Particle size and porosity will be also investigated. The next stage of the project will be: c) To measure mechanical properties of the recycled battery, during this stage an initial characterisation model of the parameters of the cell will be developed in order to analyse the component of the battery. The final stage will be: d) To recover the critical raw materials, in the final task, once the particle size and porosity have been successfully optimised different concentrations will be investigated to determine the most efficient adsorption/desorption process for metals in an aqueous solution.
Essential and Desirable Criteria
You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at RGU. You will have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in Chemistry, Engineering or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest in batteries and vehicle electrification is essential. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.
Supervisors
Discuss this further with the potential supervisor for this research degree:
Research Theme
Find other Research Degrees in the same theme:
About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
Ready to start this Research Degree?
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