PhD Studentship: Tandem Catalysts for Selective Acidic CO₂ Electrolysis - PhD (Faculty Funded)

Overview

The University of Exeter, through its Department of Engineering, offers a three-year PhD studentship focused on the development of tandem catalysts for selective acidic carbon dioxide electrolysis. The research addresses the challenges of achieving high selectivity and stability in acidic systems compared to conventional alkaline approaches.

The project centers on creating advanced copper-based and tandem catalysts aimed at multicarbon products like ethylene. Work involves catalyst synthesis, materials characterization, and electrochemical testing using gas-diffusion electrode and flow-cell systems. This research aligns with a wider program led by Dr Mengnan Wang to develop scalable acidic carbon dioxide electrolysers for sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Who can apply

Both United Kingdom and international applicants are eligible to apply for this studentship. Candidates must hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class United Kingdom Honours degree or an equivalent qualification in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline. Prior experience in materials synthesis, catalysis, or electrochemistry is beneficial although not strictly required.

What you get

The award provides full funding for a three-year period. It covers tuition fees and supplies an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year. The successful candidate joins an interdisciplinary research environment covering advanced materials, electrochemical engineering, and electrocatalysis, alongside opportunities to interact with industrial and academic collaborators.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-12-20.