Dr Matt Keith

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research has two main themes. The first focusses on the development of sustainable chemical processes, primarily for advanced recycling technologies and clean fuels. I am currently the primary supervisor for 3 PhD projects:

1. Advanced recycling of next-generation bioplastics

2. Recycling of carbon fibre reinforced polymers using Deep Eutectic Solvents

3. Development of sustainable aviation fuels from microalgae

He is also the academic lead for Innovate UK funded projects with the SME Deeptech Recycling who aim to scale an efficient chemical recycling process for end-of-life plastic wastes. He collaborates closely with the National Composites Centre (UK) as well as DLR (Germany) to deliver recycling processes for end-of-life composites and manufacturing waste.

The second theme involves chemical engineering education, specifically the integration of advanced digital tools such as generative artificial intelligence (GAI) with the aim of enhancing learning outcomes and teaching the ethical, responsible, and accurate use of these technologies. He also has an interest in progressing the incorporation of climate change education into existing curricula to ensure that future engineers are well equipped to address sustainability challenges. To complement these areas, I also regularly supervisors Masters' level research projects and summer internships.

Scientific Inspiration

Prof. John Warner, developer of the 12 principles of green chemistry. Prof. Warner has made outstanding contributions across diverse topics with the field of chemistry. His visionary research, which established the 12 principles of green chemistry, have been a guiding light in my own research, predominantly into algal biofuels, catalysis, and recycling of polymers. I often include these 12 principles in undergraduate chemical engineering lectures so that our students can also use them as a guide when designing processes and providing solutions to our open ended problems.

Research Groups

Matthew Keith

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Student-centred, patient, encouraging.

Provision of Training

At the beginning of your PhD, we will work together to identify the necessary technical skills needed and how they can be developed over the first year. As you become more familiar with our research environment, you will become more independent in the second and third years, which will also help grow your own skillsets in method development, organisation, and time and project management.

Progression Monitoring and Management

Formal update meetings with the wider research group will be held every 2 weeks where it would be good to see evidence of your progress. Over the course of the project, you will gain further independence and ownership of your progression, but my door is always open for informal chats to ensure that you are fully supported throughout the duration of the project.

Communication

I will only contact you during normal working hours in order to promote a healthy work-life balance. If, however, additional support (either academic or pastoral) is needed outside these times, then I am happy to be contacted by phone or email, and I am always happy to discuss any issues which may be impacting your ability to fulfil your potential.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once a fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once a fortnight

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once a fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once a fortnight

These meetings will be mainly face to face, via video chat or telephone, and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Cultivating Next-Generation Plastics: PHAs for a Circular Bioeconomy

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Cultivating Next-Generation Plastics: PHAs for a Circular Bioeconomy

Secondary Supervisor(s): Prof James McDonald

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes: Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Industrial Biotechnology)

Project Outline

From the litter on our streets to the food we eat, plastic pollution is everywhere. Over 99% of plastic is fossil-based and non-biodegradable. Poly(hydroxy alkanoates) (PHAs) are emerging as sustainable alternatives that can mimic polyethylene, polypropylene and PET. PHAs are bio-derived, widely biodegradable, non-toxic, and able to remediate industrial wastewater, offering a route toward sustainable materials [1].

However, PHA production is prohibitively expensive. This multidisciplinary project will address this by exploring specific strains of Spirulina. These cyanobacteria grow rapidly, offer high PHA yields, and can be cultivated on brownfield land, avoiding food vs. fuel conflicts. The research objectives are:

1. Utilise model wastewater to screen a range of Spirulina strains.

2. Optimise cultivation parameters to maximise biomass productivity and PHA yield.

3. Develop and test a green extraction method to isolate PHA.

4. Characterise the extracted PHA to evaluate quality and potential applications.

5. Assess sustainability and scalability, utilising life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic tools.

The cyanobacteria will be cultivated under controlled lab conditions, with biomass production monitored using established spectroscopic and gravimetric techniques. PHA will be recovered using liquid biphasic extraction, and characterised with gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. LCA will be embedded throughout to ensure that environmentally-responsible decisions are made during the development of a process for cultivating sustainable plastics.

This project is ideal for a PhD candidate with interests in biotechnology, green chemistry, and sustainable materials. You will gain training in algal cultivation, analytical chemistry, process development, and sustainability assessment. There may also be collaboration opportunities with international partners and industry.

[1] doi.org/10.3390/polym16121621

APPLY HERE

Co-supervisor on a project with Professor James McDonald.