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

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Eligibility: UK Students, EU Students, International Students

Award value: Home fees and tax-free stipend - See advert for details

Start date: 05 October 2026

Deadline: 01 Apr 2026

Project Title: 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 [1-3]. The PhD candidate will then push the boundaries by further developing and optimising the technique, integrating it with advanced instrumentation and custom software to unlock new functionalities. In the latter 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.

[1] S. A. Franklin et al. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2026.

[2] G. A. H. France et al. IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology 15, 743, 2025.

[3] G. A. H. Ludlam et al., ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 12, 7924–7934, 2024.

Scholarship:

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend of £ £21,300, 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.

Eligibility:

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Electronics, 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 signal processing
• Basic 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: click the 'Apply' link above. 

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