PhD Studentship: Enhancing Membrane-Free Alkaline Electrolysis for Sustainable Hydrogen Production

This four year PhD studentship is part of the Engineering Hydrogen NetZero (EnerHy) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), an EPSRC-funded initiative focused on advancing research and training in green hydrogen and wind energy. Funded by CPH2 Limited and the EPSRC, this studentship, commencing in January 2026, is based at Loughborough and focuses on membrane-free alkaline electrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production. 

Capturing and storing energy from the unpredictable and intermittent resources of wind and solar is necessary to slow the climate crisis. Using renewable energy to produce hydrogen via membrane-free alkaline water electrolysis is among the most promising ways to achieve this without depending on other limited resources. However, accelerating improvements in the efficiency and stability of this technology using cost-effective solutions is essential. Therefore, this research aims to develop novel electrode materials and geometries to reduce overvoltage and develop novel cell and stack configurations to minimise the electrical energy consumption per kg of hydrogen.  

Your research will synthesise novel electrode materials, characterise their properties and evaluate their electrocatalytic performance in membrane-free alkaline electrolysers. You will study the effects of the geometry and surface chemistry of electrodes, as well as the local flow rate of electrolyte on the bubble dynamics in the electrolysers. Most of these activities will be based at Loughborough University and you will gain hands-on industrial experience at CPH2’s site, working alongside the R&D Team led by Dr Nicholas Baynes. You will receive specialist skills training through the EnerHy CDT. 

Entry requirements: 

You should have a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, other relevant Engineering and Science subjects or relevant industrial experience. 

English language requirements: 

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website. 

Funding information: 

The studentship is for four years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to UKRI funding rules, this studentship is only available to those eligible for UK fees. 

How to apply 

Make your application online via the above ‘Apply’ button.  

Under Campus, select Loughborough. For Programme, select “CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero Mechanical PhD”. In your application, quote reference number LU-EnerHy 2025-6/10. 

To avoid delays in processing your application, you must include a personal statement and up-to-date curriculum vitae. Include two referees, one of from your highest degree qualification. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them assess your application. 

Your qualifications and experience will be assessed by: 

• your degree level, grade and subject / relevance as presented in your application form 
• your relevant work experience / research experience as presented in your application form and during interview 
• your previous published work as presented in your application form and during interview  

The strength of your personal statement will be assessed by: 

• evidence of a genuine interest to complete a PhD as presented in your application form and during interview 

• evidence of keen interest in the specific topic applied for as presented in your application form and during interview 

Your potential to perform well will be assessed by: 

• whether your references are supportive of your ability and motivation to conduct academic research using evidence from your references and during interview  
• your performance during interview 

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