About the Project
Biology relies on the exquisite control of ion transfer across cell membranes. Highly specific proteins distinguish between ions such as Na+ and K+, and this selective transport through ion channels is fundamental to cell function. Creating inorganic analogues of these biological ion channels remains a major scientific challenge: pores must either be extremely small, typically on the 1–2 nm scale, or incorporate highly specific surface chemistry to achieve meaningful ion selectivity.
This PhD project will investigate an alternative approach: electrochemically gated membranes. Instead of relying solely on very small pores, the project will explore whether larger pores, around 10 nm in diameter, can be combined with a controllable surface charge on the internal pore walls to regulate ionic flux. By exploiting overlapping electrical double layers within the pore, the project aims to establish how far ion selectivity can be engineered electrochemically.
Research aims
The central question is: how can electrolyte concentration, pore surface chemistry and applied potential waveform be combined to maximise selective ion transport through electrochemically gated nanopores?
- Investigate transport of competitive ions, including Na+ and K+, through metallised nanopores.
- Explore how overlapping electrical double layers evolve within 10 nm-scale pores under different electrolyte conditions.
- Understand how surface chemistry and ion–surface interactions influence flux and selectivity.
- Use static and time-dependent potential waveforms to modulate ion migration across membranes.
- Determine the maximum achievable Na+/K+ selectivity using electrochemical gating.
The student will develop expertise in experimental electrochemistry applied to membrane transport, including the fabrication and characterisation of electrochemically addressable nanoporous membranes. Measurements of ionic flux will be combined with systematic variation of electrolyte concentration, surface chemistry and applied potential waveforms.
Supervision and collaboration
The project will be primarily supervised by Professor Robert Dryfe and will involve close collaboration with the computational chemistry group of Professor Paola Carbone. Dryfe and Carbone have a strong recent track record of collaboration across experimental and computational electrochemistry, including complementary PhD projects and publications spanning ion transport, interfacial chemistry and membrane-related systems.
Training environment
The student will receive training in state-of-the-art experimental electrochemical techniques, membrane transport measurements, data analysis and interdisciplinary research methods. The collaboration with the Carbone group will provide exposure to molecular simulation and computational approaches, enabling the student to develop a broad experimental–theoretical understanding of ion transport at charged interfaces.
Professor Dryfe has supervised more than 35 PhD students to completion, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. The project therefore offers a strong training platform for a student interested in electrochemistry, nanomaterials, membranes, biophysical chemistry, sensing or separation science.
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 Natural Sciences 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 your 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 (or international equivalent) chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, biochemistry or a related discipline OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit (or international equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, biochemistry or a related discipline. Previous research experience in electrochemistry, membrane science, nanomaterials, computational chemistry or data analysis would be advantageous, but full training will be provided.
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_SoNS
Funding Notes
Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.