(SATURN CDT) Mechanistic influence of chloride on Magnox metal corrosion in encapsulated nuclear waste products

This PhD project focuses on understanding how chloride affects the corrosion behaviour of Magnox metal in cement-encapsulated nuclear waste. The research addresses a critical challenge in nuclear waste management: ensuring long-term stability and safety of radioactive waste storage. The project will: investigate corrosion mechanisms in cemented nuclear waste matrices study chloride distribution, mobility, and mass transport analyse corrosion rates and long-term behaviour use in-situ spectroscopic and microstructural techniques link material chemistry with structural and transport properties The work will be carried out in collaboration with: UK National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) Sellafield Ltd Nuclear Decommissioning Authority The candidate will be part of the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training, including: cohort-based training nuclear boot camp (first 3 months in Manchester) industry secondments international research exposure leadership and professional development

Applicants should hold at least an upper second class honours degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, bioscience or a related technical subject. Non-native English speakers must have IELTS average 6.5 with no component below 6.0 or equivalent.

Complete the Enquiry Form to express interest and contact the supervisor Dr Brant Walkley at b.walkley@sheffield.ac.uk for informal enquiries and suitability discussion.