Project Summary

3 Year full time PhD

The global transition to renewable energy and electric mobility has drastically increased the demand for lithium carbonate, a key component in lithium-ion batteries. However, this growth has created a new environmental challenge: the generation of vast amounts of Lithium Mining Waste (LMW), also known as lithium slag. For every tonne of lithium carbonate produced, up to 10 tonnes of solid waste are generated—rich in silicon, aluminium, and calcium oxides. These oxides are chemically similar to those in Portland cement (PC), making LMW a promising alternative raw material for the construction sector. Meanwhile, PC production remains one of the world’s largest sources of anthropogenic CO₂, responsible for around ~ 8% of global emissions. With diminishing availability of traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and blast-furnace slag (GGBS), it is vital to identify new, sustainable SCMs that can reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete.

This PhD project addresses this challenge by investigating the valorisation of LMW as an emerging SCM for sustainable construction. The research forms a complementary study to the EPSRC-funded LITHICRETE project, which aims to decarbonise the concrete industry by recycling battery-grade lithium waste. The PhD will focus on the multi-scale characterisation of calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel evolution in LMW-based cementitious systems, particularly under harsh environmental conditions such as sulphate attack, carbonation, chloride ingress, and freeze–thaw cycles. Understanding how LMW-derived hydration products form, evolve, and degrade will be key to evaluating their long-term performance and resilience.

An additional focus will be placed on the combination of LMW with other SCMs, including calcined clays, and other cementitious systems (e.g. magnesia-based). By exploring these hybrid systems, the research aims to optimise binder chemistry, improve microstructural stability, and reduce clinker dependency, ultimately lowering the embodied carbon of construction materials. The project will employ advanced analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS), and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), complemented by thermodynamic and microstructural modelling to develop a deeper understanding of hydration and degradation pathways.

The anticipated outcome of this research is the establishment of LMW as a technically viable and environmentally beneficial SCM, paving the way for next-generation, low-carbon, durable concretes. The project will contribute to global decarbonisation goals and the UK’s circular economy strategy by linking two traditionally high-impact industries, lithium extraction and cement manufacturing, into a unified sustainable materials pathway.

Research Environment

The successful candidate will join the School of Engineering at Cardiff University, working under the supervision of Dr Riccardo Maddalena (Cardiff University), with Prof. Hong Wong (Imperial College London) and Dr Mehdi Chougan (Cardiff University) as co-supervisors. Together, they offer world-leading expertise in cement chemistry, materials durability, and multi-scale characterisation of cementitious systems.

The PhD student will benefit from access to Cardiff University’s state-of-the-art research facilities, including (i) the Resilient Construction Materials Laboratory, for sample making, hydration control, and testing of mechanical and chemical properties and (ii) DURALAB, Cardiff University’s time-capsule facility for durability and resilience testing of infrastructure materials.

The candidate will also engage with the EPSRC LITHICRETE consortium, gaining exposure to collaborative opportunities at Imperial College London and with industrial partners including Imerys British Lithium, ARUP, Mott MacDonald, CEMEX, etc…

Learning and Development Opportunities

This PhD provides exceptional opportunities for technical and professional growth. The student will develop expertise in:

· Cement chemistry, microstructural imaging, and durability testing methodologies

· Advanced analytical and characterisation techniques (XRD, SEM, and NMR)

· Durability testing and environmental simulation using experimental data

· Thermodynamic modelling and multi-scale material analysis

· Data interpretation, scientific writing, and stakeholder engagement

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, or a related subject.

Desirable skills include:

· Strong background in cement chemistry and materials science

· Experience with laboratory experimentation (e.g., XRD, SEM, TGA, and mechanical testing)

· Familiarity with microstructural characterisation and analytical techniques

· Knowledge of concrete durability, hydration mechanisms, and thermodynamic modelling

· Competence in data analysis, scientific writing, and research communication

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams

· Enthusiasm for sustainable materials innovation and the circular economy

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Contact for further information

Please contact Dr Mehdi Chougan at ChouganM@cardiff.ac.uk, or Dr Riccardo Maddalena at MaddalenaR@cardiff.ac.uk to informally discuss this opportunity

How to apply

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/engineering ) including;

· an upload of your CV

· a personal statement/covering letter addressing the following questions:

o Why do you want to pursue a PhD in Engineering?

o What makes this project exciting to you?

· two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school)

· Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering), with a start date July 2026.

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please select 'I will be applying for a scholarship / grant' and specify that you are applying for advertised funding, reference RM NIA 26

All shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview, covering motivation, aspiration and technical knowledge assessment.

Deadline for applications

31^st March 2026. We may however close this opportunity earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.

Cardiff University

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