PhD Studentship: Next-Generation Membrane Testing for Fuel Cells and Electrolysers Using Terahertz Spectroscopy

Abstract:

This is a unique opportunity to join a cutting-edge PhD project in collaboration with leading energy materials researchers and industry partners. Ion-exchange membranes are key to electrochemical devices, yet balancing performance and stability remains a challenge. This project will develop humidity-controlled terahertz spectroscopy to probe water properties within membranes, advancing material insights to optimise trade-offs for next-generation energy technologies.

Project Detail:

You will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team that will begin by characterising conventional membranes using our recently developed humidity-controlled terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The PhD candidate will then push the boundaries by developing and optimising the technique further, integrating with advanced instrumentation and custom software to unlock new functionalities. In later phases of the project, the refined technique will be applied to characterise both commercial and custom-designed membranes, generating fundamental insights that will guide the design of next-generation energy materials in close collaboration with world-leading membrane experts and key manufacturers such as Johnson Matthey. This will not only advance scientific understanding but also contribute to innovations in fuel cells, electrolysers, and green hydrogen systems.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors, or Masters degree in Electronic, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Sciences or equivalent. Experience in one of the following topics will be a plus:·

• Working knowledge of MATLAB/Python and signals processing
• Understanding of electromagnetics
• Experience with CAD and mechanical design

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a full formal application, guidance and the application form are here:  How to apply for your research degree.

Funding 

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £20,780 (2025/2026), paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study. Non-UK students can apply but will have to personally fund the difference between the Home and the Overseas rate.

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