Graphene-Based Membranes for Water Filtration

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in 2D Materials of Tomorrow (2DMoT) is a four-year PhD programme that provides students with the knowledge and skills required to undertake cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research in the science and applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials. These emerging advanced materials have the potential to transform a wide range of technologies, from clean energy and sustainable materials to electronics and quantum engineering.

The 2DMoT CDT is also part of the TechExpert pilot programme. (see below for information)

Available Industry-Sponsored PhD Projects

We currently have fully funded studentships available for industry-sponsored projects in two research areas.

Project 2: Graphene-Based Membranes for Water Filtration

The second project, also undertaken in collaboration with an industrial partner, will focus on developing graphene and 2D material-based membranes for water filtration and treatment.

The student will fabricate graphene-based membranes and investigate water, ion and molecular transport through 2D material nanochannels. The project will explore how membrane structure and surface chemistry can be controlled to optimise water permeability, contaminant rejection, selectivity and long-term membrane performance.

A major objective will be to translate the fundamental understanding of molecular transport into practical membrane technologies for water filtration. The student will gain experience in membrane fabrication, water and ion transport measurements, filtration testing, and advanced materials and membrane characterisation using the extensive facilities available at the National Graphene Institute and Henry Royce Institute.

Please see our other advert for information about Project 1.

Both projects provide an excellent opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research at the interface of 2D materials, materials engineering and industrial technology development, while working closely with academic and industrial researchers.

TechExpert pilot:

2DMoT CDT is part of the UK TechExpert pilot, offering enhanced stipend of £10,000 above the UKRI minimum stipend of ca. £21,000 to students eligible for home fee status. The aim of the TechExpert pilot is to explore whether enhanced stipends make doctoral study a more competitive and financially viable alternative to entry-level industry roles. This is in response to identified skills shortages in digital and technology areas important for the UK government’s industrial strategy, declining numbers of doctoral applications from students with home fee status, and to increase socioeconomic inclusion in engineering and physical sciences doctoral training.

The TechExpert pilot, part of the TechFirst skills programme, will support 500 new doctoral students eligible for home fee status in participating UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Focal Awards (DFAs) in the six frontier industries under the digital and technologies sector in the UK’s modern industrial strategy, plus a small number prioritised for digital and technologies in the Financial Services sector agreed between DSIT and HM Treasury. The programme is being delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), working with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

In return to the enhanced financial support TechExpert students will be expected to:

• organise and lead widening participation activities to encourage the next generation;
• attend virtual TechExpert cohort networking events;
• engage with the wider TechFirst programme (for example, supporting undergraduate and Masters students funded through other parts of the programme);
• organise and lead activities aimed at relevant industry partners in technology sectors.

These activities are expected to take up to 10 days each year.