PhD Positions Available - Understanding Materials Interfaces in Systems for the Energy Transition

We welcome applications from candidates for October 2022 entry to join the multidisciplinary project InFUSE whose aim is to study key material and fluid interfaces across a range of application areas with direct impact on the energy transition. Examples of such systems include: geomaterials (for CO2 and H2 storage), energy materials (catalysis, batteries, materials for hydrogen); next generation lubricants and fluids (e-fluids). Our aim is to create a step-change in the correlative characterisation of interfaces embedded in these systems under realistic environments. Both experimental and numerical projects are available – making use of laboratory- and synchrotron-based experimentation as well as multi-physics and multi-scale modelling strategies. The projects will be based at Imperial College with significant interaction with the project partners Diamond Light Source and Shell.

Applications are invited for seven Ph.D. studentships in the Departments of Chemical Engineering (CE), Earth Science and Engineering (ESE), Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Materials (MT). The following seven research topics are proposed:

1. Chemical Transport and Adsorption in Hierarchical Porous Solids (CE)
2. Minimal surfaces in porous materials: wettability design for optimal flow performance (ESE)
3. Mineralisation Processes for CO2 Storage (ESE)
4. Monitoring thermal conductance of solid-liquid interface in engineering fluids (ME)
5. Molecular understanding of near-surface thermal gradients in cooling fluids to improve battery lifetime and thermal management (ME)
6. Understanding the type, distribution and mechanical properties of interfaces in geological systems (MT)
7. Correlative operando and cryo-techniques for visualising structure and chemistry in nanoscale systems (MT)

Detailed descriptions of each project can be found here.

Eligibility & Funding

To be eligible for support, applicants must be “UK Residents” as defined by the EPSRC. The studentship is for 3.5 years starting in October 2022 and will provide full coverage of standard tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of approximately £17,609. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First-Class Honours or a high 2:1 degree at Master’s level (or equivalent) in any relevant engineering or science subject. Successful candidates will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to present their findings at major international conferences and to the sponsors. Funding is through the project InFUSE (Interface with the future: underpinning science to support the energy transition), funded by the EPSRC and Shell.

How to apply

Applications will be assessed as received and all applicants should follow the standard College application procedure. Please apply to the Department associated with the chosen project.

To apply, please go to: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/how-to-apply/apply-for-a-research-programme-/

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Bhavna Patel (b.patel@imperial.ac.uk).

Start Date: October 2022

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