PhD Studentship: Chemical Engineering & Materials Science: Microporous Membranes for Stable and Low-Cost Iron-Sulfur Flow Batteries

Swansea University is pleased to offer a fully funded PhD studentship as part of the Faraday Institution PhD Training Programme, focused on developing next-generation microporous membranes for low-cost, long-duration iron–sulfur (Fe–S) redox flow batteries.

Membrane separators are critical to the efficiency and lifetime of redox flow batteries; however, existing commercial membranes suffer from severe active-species crossover, leading to capacity decay and reduced operational efficiency. This project will investigate how the molecular structure, microporosity and chemical functionality of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) govern ion transport and selectivity in Fe–S battery chemistries. The successful candidate will design and synthesise functional PIMs with tailored sub-nanometre pores, develop solution-processable membranes, and establish quantitative structure–ion transport–battery performance relationships through advanced membrane characterisation and electrochemical testing.

The project will be hosted by Dr Rui Tan at Swansea University, in close collaboration with Leaf-Tech Ltd, an industrial partner working on the development and scale-up of advanced materials and technologies for energy applications.

Dr Rui Tan’s research group focuses on functional microporous polymers, selective ion-transport membranes and electrochemical energy storage, with particular expertise in molecularly engineered membranes and their application in redox flow and other emerging battery systems. Leaf-Tech Ltd will support the scale-up and manufacturing of PIM materials and membranes, alongside technical input and industrial mentorship to evaluate their manufacturability, scalability and commercial potential for next-generation flow batteries.

The successful candidate will undertake an industrial placement with Leaf-Tech Ltd during the PhD, gaining direct experience in polymer and membrane scale-up, manufacturing, process optimisation and industrial R&D challenges associated with translating advanced membrane materials from laboratory discovery towards practical long-duration energy-storage technologies.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants.

Funding Details

Covers full tuition, £21,805 stipend (2026/27), plus up to £1,000 yearly for research costs.

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