Johnson-Matthey ICASE Studentship - Fundamental Structural Studies of Polymers for Fuel Cells and Sustainable Hydrogen Technologies

This studentship is sponsored by Johnson-Matthey (www.matthey.com) and the academic supervisors are Prof. Steve Armes and Dr. Sasha Mykhaylyk in the Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield. This four-year project will involve characterisation of the behaviour of industrial ink formulations used for the manufacture of fuel cells and for the development of sustainable hydrogen technologies. A typical ink comprises precious metal supported carbon and/or metal oxide particles dispersed in (non-)aqueous solution in the presence of either polyelectrolytes or non-ionic polymers. The aim will be to elucidate structure-property relationships to inform the design of next-generation ink formulations. This project will also involve model studies of polymer-solvent-substrate interactions. Analytical techniques will include small-angle X-ray scattering, rheology, quartz crystal microbalance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The student will be expected to participate in annual conferences held at Johnson-Matthey and to spend three months working at their Sonning R & D site during their third or fourth year of study. The ideal candidate will hold a first-class honours degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. 

For further information regarding this ICASE PhD studentship, please email Prof Steve Armes ([Email Address Removed]).

For further details regarding the two academic supervisors for this ICASE PhD project, see https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/people/academic/steven-p-armes-frs and 

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/chemistry/people/academic/oleksandr-o-mykhaylyk 

Subject Area: Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Colloid Science.

Click here to apply.  Your application should be accompanied by a CV and a one-page personal statement outlining why you think you would be well-suited to this PhD project.

Deadline for applications January 20th 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early February 2023.