About the Project
Clay-based materials are found across natural, engineered and functional systems, where their ability to interact with water and ions can fundamentally alter structure, transport and mechanical behaviour. Swelling may be beneficial, enabling self-sealing, selective transport and responsive functionality, but it can also cause deformation, cracking and loss of performance. Despite decades of study, we still lack a direct understanding of how nanoscale interactions at clay interlayers and…
interfaces evolve in real time and propagate across scales to reorganise the wider material structure.
This PhD will develop and apply advanced in situ imaging approaches to reveal clay swelling from the atomic and nanometre scale through to three-dimensional pore and microstructural evolution. The central scientific question is: how do nanoscale clay–fluid interactions control the dynamic behaviour and macroscopic properties of clay-containing materials under changing environmental conditions?
The student will investigate a range of model clay minerals and progressively more complex natural and engineered materials under controlled variations in fluid chemistry, temperature, hydration state and mechanical constraint. A unique combination of complementary techniques will be used, including in situ X-ray nano/micro-tomography, environmental scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and liquid-cell/in situ transmission electron microscopy. Together, these methods will allow dynamic processes to be followed across multiple length scales, from interlayer expansion and ion-mediated interactions to particle rearrangement, pore-network reconfiguration, strain localisation and fracture development.
The imaging data will be combined with advanced image analysis, digital volume correlation, pore-network analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and physics-informed modelling. The project will seek to establish quantitative links between local swelling mechanisms, reversible and irreversible structural transitions, and changes in transport, mechanical and functional properties.
The project will provide broad interdisciplinary training at the interface of materials science, chemical engineering, geoscience, microscopy and computational analysis. The student will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art electron and X-ray microscopy, in situ experimental design, quantitative image analysis, AI-assisted characterisation and modelling. There will also be opportunities to undertake experiments at major national and international synchrotron and microscopy facilities, collaborate with researchers across different disciplines, present at international conferences and develop a strong publication profile.
The project is particularly suited to students interested in advanced microscopy, porous and layered materials, clay–fluid interactions, AI-enabled materials characterisation, and understanding how nanoscale processes govern macroscopic material behaviour.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply:
To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD in Materials, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Sciences, Engineering (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD in Materials, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Sciences, Engineering (or international equivalent).
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoE
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.