PhD in Chemistry: Electrolysis Technologies for H2 production Catalysed by Plastrons and Foams.

Applications accepted all year round

Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

About the Project

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using renewable electricity. Its production reduces dramatically CO2 emissions compared to grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels without carbon capture. There is potential for green hydrogen to play a significant role in decarbonising energy systems where there are challenges and limitations to replacing fossil fuels with direct use of electricity such as the heavy industry (e.g., steel, cement, glass), ammonia production, transport (e.g., shipping, aviation, heavy goods vehicles), and long-term energy grid storage.

Commercial electrolysers to produce green hydrogen suffer from gas nanobubbles strongly adsorbed on electrodes that hamper mass transfer and increase the overpotential, resulting in low energy conversion efficiency (<70%) and poor durability (<2500 h for stainless steel electrodes). This research programme will develop a technological solution to detach nanobubbles from electrodes by implementing surface-active, water-dispersible particles, and increase dramatically their efficiency.

The surface-active particles developed in this programme will rely on oleophobic organosilicas/carbons able to adsorb at the gas-liquid interface. We will study their effect on the performance of alkaline electrolyser prototypes from Hydrostar by generation of particle-stabilised gas plastrons and foams, using waters including salts, dissolved organic pollutants and suspended microplastics. With these results, we will elaborate an exploitation plan for upscaling and commercialisation of the new electrolysers.

This PhD project will be carried out in partnership with the company Hydrostar and will include secondments and specific training in the company.

Academic criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent).

English Language

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Supervisors

Professor Marc Pera Titus

Start date: 1 October 2026, 1 January 2027

To apply please complete an online application, stating your supervisor’s name(s) and project title

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Funding Notes

This is a 4 year funded UK level funded PhD post with a stipend at the UKRI level and UK tuition fees.

For 2025/2026 academic year, 'EU' students will be eligible for UK level PGR tuition fees at Cardiff University, so can be considered for this full funding. More details can be found here -

This studentship is open to Home, EU or Overseas Candidates. However, Overseas candidates should note that they will be required to cover the difference between Home and Overseas fees each year.