"PhD Studentships: Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies"

WE ARE RECRUITING four PhD students to start in October 2025. Each 4-year studentship is generously funded with an enhanced stipend, all tuition fees covered, and research support funding, including for participation in conferences.

There are four PhD student vacancies in total, with three Home fee status and one Overseas fee status available. Successful students will join our new Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies, which aims to develop innovative fuel cell and battery technologies, underpinned by fundamental understanding. The Centre brings together leading research groups in the Department of Chemistry, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick.

The centre has expertise in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, advanced characterisation techniques, modelling, and battery and fuel cell construction and testing. We aim to develop next-generation electrochemical energy technologies through holistic views of ammonia/methanol fuel cells and metal and metal ion batteries, from the nanoscale to device level.

In addition to the exciting projects offered, the cohort of PhD students will benefit from bespoke training courses and opportunities for collaboration across departments, with Centre for Experimental Fuel Technologies academics and their collaborators.

Candidates with first degrees in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Materials Science and Engineering, or Chemical Engineering are welcome to apply.

Three successful offer holders will be under the supervision of Prof. Louis Piper and Dr. Mel Loveridge in the Warwick Manufacturing Group. They have experience in functional materials for energy storage/harvesting applications and advanced characterization methods.

One PhD studentship is available in the research group of Prof. Shanwen Tao in the School of Engineering. His research involves fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries, and more, with a focus on Direct Ammonia/Methanol Fuel Cells, electrolysers, and electrochemical synthesis. The studentship focuses on areas such as developing electrocatalysts for ammonia oxidation reaction, synthesis of ammonia or methanol, materials for electrolysers, or preparing solid oxide fuel cells.

For outstanding overseas candidates, fees will be covered.

How to apply: Use the application portal at https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/ceft/application-process/form.

This is a 4-year studentship with funding for stipend, tuition fees, and research support.