Developing Hydrogen Storage Materials Using Advanced Manufacturing Methods

These projects are open to students worldwide, but have no funding attached. Therefore, the successful applicant will be expected to fund tuition fees at the relevant level (home or international) and any applicable additional research costs. Please consider this before applying. 

Owing to its ease of availability and ultimate zero emission, hydrogen as alternative fuel source has received much attention in recent years. The demand on hydrogen will progressively increase and hence there is a strong need for innovation in hydrogen production, storage and distribution.

As being the smallest atom, hydrogen can easily diffuse inside materials and can adversely alter microstructure and mechanical performance of materials. This degradation process is known as hydrogen embrittlement (HE). Hydrogen storages are usually produced from metallic materials which are susceptible to HE that may cause leakage of hydrogen and catastrophic incidents. Particularly, traditionally manufactured hydrogen storages from these materials often possess welded regions which are usually the most critical parts for structural integrity due to the presence of residual stress and manufacturing induced defects.

The aim of this project is to fabricate the next generation of high performance hydrogen storage materials using advanced manufacturing techniques. Hydrogen storage materials subjected to hydrogen diffusion at different levels will be investigated to characterize mechanical performance using materials characterization and mechanical testing methods. Computational methods will be employed to predict failure mechanisms of hydrogen storage materials in high-pressure hydrogen environment.

The PhD candidate will also have opportunities to collaborate with researchers at other Universities and laboratories on related topics.

Essential Background:

Decisions will be based on academic merit. The successful applicant should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) in Mechanical/Materials/Aerospace/Marine Engineering or Materials Science.

Application Procedure:

Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php

You should apply for Engineering (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team for processing.

Please clearly note the name of the lead supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not include these details, it may not be considered for the studentship.

Your application must include: A personal statement, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, and clear copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application.

If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk