(SATURN CDT) Electrochemical Treatment and Isotope Recovery from Molten Salt Systems for Advanced Reactors Waste Minimisation in Manchester

This project addresses a key challenge in the management of irradiated graphite: the treatment of contaminated molten salts generated during decontamination and recycling processes. By developing methods to recover radionuclides from these salts, the research will help reduce secondary waste volumes and improve the viability of graphite recycling.

The aim of this PhD research is to develop an integrated molten salt treatment strategy to enable the efficient removal, recovery, and reuse of key radionuclides from irradiated molten salt systems and associated graphite wastes arising from advanced modular reactors (AMRs). Currently, no defined waste route exists for such salts, presenting a critical challenge for reactor deployment and decommissioning.

The project hypothesises that electrochemical treatment within molten salts can mobilise key radionuclides into separable forms, enabling their subsequent recovery and purification. Electrochemical methods will be used to convert radiocarbon and tritium into gaseous species (¹⁴CO₂ and tritiated water), alongside selective electrochemical cycling removal of metallic radionuclides such as ⁶⁰Co. These gaseous products will be further processed using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) to improve isotope purity and concentration.

The research aims to quantify isotope extraction efficiencies and integrate electrochemical treatment into a coherent treatment process. The approach aims to significantly reduce secondary waste volumes while maximising recovery of strategically important isotopes. A lifecycle assessment will evaluate environmental and economic benefits, with particular focus on graphite recycling and waste minimisation within UK nuclear decommissioning strategies.

The project supports national priorities by enabling recovery of important isotopes, including tritium for fusion energy, radiocarbon for medical applications, and cobalt-60 for industrial use. Ultimately, we aim to deliver a novel, scalable treatment route that enhances sustainability and graphite waste management.

This PhD is based with the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training. SATURN is made up from a consortium of NW Universities that include Manchester, Bangor, Leeds, Liverpool, Lancaster, Sheffield and Strathclyde. The ethos of the programme is to recruit students from across STEM and give them the necessary skills and training to become a subject matter expert in the nuclear sector in either industry or academia.

Your training will include an introduction to nuclear course, as well as opportunities to do a deep dive in the areas that really interest you. You will also have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills by visiting internationally relevant facilities, having an industry secondment, undertaking leadership training, and involving yourself in outreach and public engagement activities. If this sounds like the sort of opportunity that you are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

The Bootcamp is based in Manchester. For any of our students based at partner institutions, SATURN can offer you accommodation in Manchester and cover the cost.

Eligibility: Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Projects are subject to funding confirmation.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).