Clean water from low grade heat-powered process: a proof-of-concept

Climate change is already exacerbating water scarcity bringing uncertainty in the future of the water availability vs. abstraction (water stress), especially in delicate eco-systems. At the same time, industry highly relies on water. In most of the water-demanding industrial sectors high water demand is co-located with high energy demand (water-energy nexus), similarly to countries that benefit from high solar thermal energy (high energy availability) and at the same need water. The co-location of energy in form of heat and water is an opportunity. 

In this project, you will research and develop an innovative technology that uses low temperature heat for the production of water with different quality (from drinkable to industry and agriculture) by exploiting recent discoveries in material science and engineering [1, 2]. The technology will be powered by ultralow energy and exploit the temperature differences available in nature: air, soil and natural water (e.g. lakes, seas, rivers).

You will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab) [3], be part of a world leading research group in sustainable technologies towards the development of a proof-of-concept super-efficient processes for heat-powered clean water production (e.g. desalination), have access to state-of-the-art equipment including rapid prototyping tools and brainstorm new technological avenues for clean water production.

Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include modelling activities supported by experiments. You will attain skills in modelling, design and testing of innovative technologies for clean water production.

Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.

[1] https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2025003650&_cid=P20-MAL3RA-15255-1

[2] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b06037

[3] https://www.linkedin.com/in/giulio-santori-a365546/

Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree.

• Proficiency with Labview or similar data acquisition and control
• Familiarity with dynamic identification methods

Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.

Desirable criteria: 

1. knowledge of thermodynamics of fluid phase equilibria or physical chemistry;
2. proficiency in computational tool such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica etc… with emphasis on graphical user interface design;

A number of scholarships are available to competitive candidates. For more information on the funding application process, please contact the project’s supervisor or visit the School of Engineering website.

Applications are also welcomed from self-funded students.