Dr Tom Robshaw

Profile

I am a Research Fellow in the Nuclear Engineering Group. I work on a £multimillion Euratom project on improving nuclear fission fuel reprocessing, with a focus on novel ligand synthesis. Previous work for UK Atomic Energy Authority, in support of fusion reactor development, involved design and scale-up of a solvent extraction process to separate lithium isotopes. Previously, I was a Research Associate at University of Sheffield, working with the National Nuclear Laboratory on treatment of radioactive iodine, using novel adsorption materials; part of the Government's £multmillion Advanced Fuel Cycle Programme (AFCP).

My PhD in chemical engineering, working for Dr Mark Ogden (Bangor) and Dr Robert Dawson (Sheffield), related to resource recovery from spent pot lining (aluminium industry). It encompassed analytical chemistry, polymer synthesis and chemical engineering. I am also skilled in design and synthesis of microporous polymers and silicas for chemisorption. Before this, I worked on a multidisciplinary research placement at University of York and an industrial placement year at British Sugar. I changed career direction after spending five years in retail management. Prior to this I was a freelance commercial artist and also have a Batchelor’s degree in graphic arts.

Research interests

I am a researcher at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering and an expert in the design and deployment of novel materials for chemical separation processes. These include advanced adsorbent materials (both organic and inorganic) and new sustainable chemistries for solvent extraction and leaching.

I was the first researcher in the UK to demonstrate a pilot-scale process for separation of lithium isotopes, which is an important objective for next-generation nuclear reactors (fission and fusion). Previously, I have designed a complete hydrometallurgical treatment for a hazardous waste product of the alumnium industry, to separate the valorisable components. I also wrote and published the first modern literature review of adsorption technologies for remediation of radioiodine, which is a key radionuclide to manage within the recycling of spent nuclear fuel rods.

My research output aligns with addressing clean energy, sustainability, food and water security, conservation and climate change. I have published work in nuclear waste remediation, treatment of sewage sludge and new methods for gold and silver recovery. I believe in cross-disciplinary research and have expertise in analytical, organic and physical chemistry, chemical engineering and microbiology. I work with international consortia on projects pertaining to fluoride removal from groundwater, biogas provision to African countries and responsible processing of lithium ores.

I have experience in teaching & learning roles from time at the University of Bradford. With my colleagues in the Life Sciences Student Attainment Team, we developed a strategy for individualised coaching support for struggling students. I was also a Head of Student Support within our Faculty. I also have extensive experience in lecturing and small group teaching.

Qualifications

• Ph.D
• MChem
• BA
• FHEA

Professional memberships

• Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
• UK Advising and Tutoring (UKAT)

Student education

I deliver lectures, tutorials and small group supervision sessions on various topics including distillation, nuclear fuel recycling and general academic skills.

Research groups and institutes

• Nuclear Engineering