PhD Studentship: Chemical Engineering: Fully funded PhD Studentship in Advanced Energy Storage: novel polymeric membranes for high-energy and safe batteries

Funding providers: The FSE Doctoral Focal Award, Swansea University and Leaf Tech Ltd  

The subject areas: Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Mechanics, Polymers, other aligned subjects

The Project start dates:

• October 2025 – Home students only 
• January 2026 – Home and International students 

Supervisors:

• Dr Rui Tan
• Dr Zari Tehrani
• Prof Serena Margadonna
• Dr Yuanxi Yang (industrial supervisor – Leaf Tech Ltd)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Chemical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time

Place of Study: Bay Campus

Project Description:

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the backbone of modern energy storage, but further breakthroughs in energy density and cost efficiency are essential to meet the demands of next-generation applications. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer separator-free battery architectures using ultrathin, high-performance coatings made from polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). By replacing conventional polymeric membranes and adopting dry-processed electrodes, this work has the potential to double energy density, reaching up to ~500 Wh/kg, while cutting manufacturing costs.

Through advanced polymer design, scalable synthesis, and precision coating techniques, you will develop robust, submicron PIM-based membranes tailored for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. This interdisciplinary project bridges polymer chemistry, membrane science, and electrochemical engineering, and involves collaboration with industry experts in advanced membrane manufacturing. 

Project Overview 

This fully funded PhD project focuses on transforming lithium-ion battery design by integrating scalable, microporous thin-film coatings that eliminate the need for conventional separators. Your research will be central to driving innovation in energy storage materials and manufacturing processes, with the following key areas: 

• PIM Chemistry Innovation – Design and synthesise new PIM materials with tailored porosity, solubility, and electrochemical stability to enable thin, uniform coatings. 

• Scalable Thin-Film Processing – Apply submicron PIM layers to LFP and NMC electrodes using thin-film coating techniques, with a focus on solvent compatibility, film uniformity and adhesion. 

• Separator-Free Cell Development – Assemble lab-scale coin cells using PIM-coated electrodes, targeting high energy densities and capacity retention. 

• Membrane Performance Evaluation – Collaborate with membrane specialists at Leaf Tech Ltd to assess selective transport, gas separation, and structural stability evaluation. 

The successful candidate will be based at CAPTURE (Circular Approaches To Utilise and Retain Energy), a Centre of Expertise at Swansea University, established in 2020 to lead innovative solutions for the global energy transition. At CAPTURE, you’ll benefit from: (a) State-of-the-art laboratories and world-class expertise in materials science, battery technologies, and sustainable manufacturing; (b) Direct collaboration with Leaf Tech Ltd, a key industry partner, providing valuable exposure to industrial-scale challenges and hands-on application of your research; (c) A strong foundation in technical, analytical, and research skills, enhancing your career prospects in academia, R&D, and the growing clean energy sector; (d) Opportunities to present your work at international conferences, engage with industry stakeholders, and contribute to high-impact publications. 

Beyond battery innovation, this research has far-reaching implications for sustainable materials design, low-carbon manufacturing, and the broader field of energy storage systems. 

Funding Duration - 4 years

Open to UK and International fee-eligible applicants   

• UK applicants – October 2025 
• UK and International applicants – January 2026 

PhD: Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or a similar relevant science discipline. 

English Language 

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. 

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