PhD Studentship: Hydrogen Storage for a Net Zero Society

About this project

Applications are invited for a PhD project to work in the efficient and cost-effective production of hydrogen i.e., using innovative electrochemistry with sustainable and long-life catalysts. To achieve the global greenhouse gas emissions targets and move both industry and society towards a net zero emission path, there is an urgent need for hydrogen to be used as feedstock for energy to fuel industrial processes, domestic heating and for transport. In the long term, hydrogen must be produced from renewable and/or low-carbon resources, in a true sustainable pathway towards a low-carbon or ‘green’ hydrogen economy. This poses numerous technical challenges as well as cost issues. This project will aim to:

• Design, develop and optimise innovative storage materials to store hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. The research will focus on issues related to hydrogen flow, porosity and storage-release cycles in a controlled and safe manner; or
• Design and development of ultrasound-enhanced processing efficient and low-cost manufacturing technologies for the manufacturing of the hydrogen storage materials, as well as reliable control of the hydrogen storage and release cycles. 

For informal inquiries, please contact Dr Jiawei Mi (J.Mi@hull.ac.uk).   

About the research cluster

This project will be part of the interdisciplinary research cluster ‘Development of innovative hydrogen production and storage technologies for a net-zero emission society’ funded by the University of Hull PhD Cluster Scholarships Scheme 2023/24, formed by four fully-funded PhD scholarships in themes related to hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, optimisation and modelling, and industrial applications. The successful applicant will be based at the School of Natural Sciences and also be part of the wider team from the School of Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Aura Innovation Centre. All PhD cluster students will work in close partnership with industrial partners, providing an exceptional PhD training environment.

Funding

• The successful applicant will receive a fee waiver and a maintenance grant / stipend for three years (full-time) or five years (part-time), which covers the research period of the PhD. The fee waiver for 22/23 is £4,596 (Home fee) and the maintenance grant is £17,668 per annum. This rises each year in line with the UKRI’s recommended stipend allowance.

• If you need to move into a fourth year (full-time) or sixth year (part-time) to complete your thesis, please note that you will not receive a tuition fee waiver or maintenance grant during this period and you will be required to pay a continuation fee.

Submission of thesis

Submission of your final thesis is expected within three years and three months from the start of your PhD scholarship for full-time and within five years and six months if studying part-time.

Eligibility and entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum 2:1 degree in engineering, chemistry or related subject. A taught MSc or Masters by Research in a relevant subject or relevant laboratory experience would be an advantage.

International applicants

This opportunity comes with a Home fee waiver only, which will not cover the full International fee. You will therefore need to pay the difference between the Home fee and the International fee and will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover this. 

How to apply

Applications are via the University of Hull webpage  

Closing date for applications 

10 February 2022

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