About the Project
The University of Manchester — Department of Chemical Engineering
Supervisors: Prof Rahul Raveendran Nair, Dr Premlal Balakrishna Pillai, Dr J Li
Applications accepted all year round. Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide).
Freshwater scarcity is increasing global reliance on desalination, but conventional technologies can be energy intensive and generate concentrated brine requiring careful management. This project will investigate a new approach that combines efficient water recovery with opportunities to valorise desalination brine. Building on recent patent-pending research at the University of Manchester demonstrating chemical-reaction-driven water transport across charged graphene-based membranes, the PhD will focus on translating the laboratory concept towards a scalable technology. The student will develop and optimise graphene-based hollow-fibre membranes, progressing from individual fibres to multi-fibre modules approaching 1 m² membrane area. Performance will be evaluated using saline solutions and desalination brines, including water recovery, selectivity, stability, scaling and fouling. Optimised modules will then be integrated into a laboratory-scale pilot system for continuous testing and evaluation of water and resource recovery. Experimental work will be complemented by process modelling and techno-economic analysis, supported by Dr Jie Li, to optimise process design and benchmark the technology against established desalination approaches. The student will receive interdisciplinary training in membrane fabrication and characterisation, hollow-fibre module engineering, desalination, pilot-scale testing, process modelling and techno-economic analysis. The project will also benefit from collaboration with the Saudi Water Authority, including technical consultation and access to its Water Technology Innovation and Research Institute facilities for pilot testing and technology evaluation.
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 Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical 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 Chemical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical 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.
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.