PhD Studentship - MEM-3D: Membrane Engineering with 3D Printing for Advanced CO₂ Separations

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided. 

Overview

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a digital technology and a key enabler for realising next-generation equipment designs that are less energy-intensive and more sustainable. This project will explore a new avenue: fabrication of porous ceramic supports using desktop scale 3D printing for molten salt membranes. The advantages of these membranes include very high temperature stability, high mechanical stability and longevity, excellent chemical resistance, and tuneable microstructure. Combined with the design freedom of 3D printing, we have the opportunity to design new membranes whose microstructure and macro-architecture work synergistically, similar to how systems work in nature.  

Experimental work will include the following indicative activities: 

• Designing and developing CAD models of test coupons and other structures 
• Fabrication of ‘green’ test structures and sintering these across a range of conditions 
• Characterising the mechanical properties of the printed structures 
• Fabrication of ceramic supports and impregnation with molten salts  
• Characterisation of CO2 permeation performance for CO2 capture and direct air capture conditions 

This project is a collaboration between the Process Intensification Group (PIG) and Materials, Concepts, and Reactors group (MatCoRe), so the successful candidate will be well supported. Additive manufacturing/3D printing and Net Zero are burgeoning areas, so the successful candidate will develop important transferable skills that will be highly-desirable in the future process industries.  

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026

Award Duration

4 Years

Sponsor

EPSRC  

Supervisors

Dr Jonathan McDonough;  

Dr Greg Mutch 

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here. 

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.  

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply 

For information on how to apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

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