Topic: critical minerals

Develop architected materials through protein-guided assembly in micro-emulsion templates. Work includes scalable droplet generation, membrane emulsification and inkjet printing, followed by evaluation for lithium-ion batteries. The project aims to reduce reliance on critical minerals and involves collaborators in Cambridge, Liverpool and the Netherlands.

Pump-priming research will test disruptive approaches to extracting, processing, recovering and recycling critical minerals. Projects must demonstrate technical feasibility and address commercial, environmental, regulatory and social barriers to deployment. Phase one lasts up to 12 months and must start by 3 May 2027. UKRI funds 80% of project full economic costs up to £305,000; competitive follow-on support is reserved for successful phase-one projects. Applications close on 7 January 2027 at 16:00 UK time.

Develop ligands and functionalised sorbents for recovering gallium, germanium and other critical minerals from zinc-processing streams. Research spans organic synthesis, resin and polymer modification, liquid–liquid and solid–liquid separations, and analytical characterisation. The Nanomaterials Chemistry Group collaborates with spectroscopy, theory, radiochemistry and industrial specialists. The initial appointment is up to 24 months, with possible extension subject to performance and funding.

Conduct life-cycle and technoeconomic analyses of industrial technologies, including recovery of critical minerals from electronic waste. Use primary equipment and industrial data to quantify costs, energy requirements and environmental performance, and communicate findings through publications and project reports. Applications are made on the employer’s recruitment portal; no closing date is stated. Initial appointment up to 24 months, with extensions dependent on performance and funding.