James Martin Fellow, Oxford Geoengineering Programme

Phil’s research investigates geoengineering approaches to atmospheric carbon dioxide stabilisation, particularly enhancing silicate weathering (closely related to mineral carbonation) on human relevant timescales and ocean alkalinity modification to increase carbon storage in the oceans and counteract ocean acidification.

During his PhD he focused on mineral carbonation in soils.  He investigated anthropogenic silicate production (cement, slag, quarry waste etc.), the rate at which these materials weather and carbonate in soils, and the isotopic signatures of carbonates formed from high pH solutions.  This work was part of an EPSRC funded project to understand how we might 'Engineer the soil carbon sink'.