Development of Novel ionic conducting materials for next generation electrochemical devices Ref: 5836

Supervisors

Associate Professor Rong Lan, Department of Engineering, University of Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Department of Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Streatham Campus.

Fuel cells and water electrolysers are essential technologies for clean hydrogen and low-carbon energy systems. Current membrane materials are expensive and limited in durability, creating an urgent need for new, more sustainable alternatives. This PhD project addresses this challenge by developing advanced ionic conducting materials for next-generation hydrogen technologies.

Research focus

The aim of this PhD studentship is to design and test novel materials that can replace Nafion in fuel cells and electrolysers. The research will explore how the new materials can improve efficiency, durability, and operating flexibility in hydrogen energy systems.

Methodology

The PhD student will synthesise new materials and study their structure, stability, and ionic conductivity. Day-to-day work will include laboratory-based materials processing, physical and electrochemical characterisation, and performance testing in fuel cell or electrolyser-related systems. Training will be provided.

Travel and collaboration

There may be opportunities for research visits, conferences, or collaboration with external academic or industrial partners, depending on project progress.

Candidate suitability

This PhD scholarship would suit candidates with an interest in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or renewable energy research. Applicants should be motivated, curious, and interested in sustainable energy and hydrogen technologies. Prior experience with wet chemistry, materials or laboratory work is helpful but not essential.

Funding

This is a fully funded PhD studentship, covering tuition fees and a tax-free stipend for the duration of the PhD. The project is suitable for UK or international applicants (subject to funding conditions, see below).

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, they should be aware that the award only covers part of the international tuition fee. International applicants need to be aware that they will have to cover the cost of their student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.  

The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter.  The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract.  Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project is still to be confirmed and may change during the course of contract negotiations.  Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.

•            CV

•            Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

•            Research proposal

•            Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)

•            Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.

•            If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 15th April 2026. 

Interviews will be held virtually.

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided.

Please quote reference 5836 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary