About the Project
Hydrogen produced by water electrolysis is expected to play a major role in the transition to a low-carbon energy system. However, so-called "green hydrogen" remains significantly more expensive than hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. One of the most effective ways to reduce these costs is through the development of better electrocatalysts that drive the water-splitting reaction more efficiently and with greater long-term stability.
This PhD project will tackle a fundamental challenge in catalyst science: understanding exactly which atomic-scale features of a catalyst control its performance. Despite intense international research efforts, many of the active sites and degradation pathways in state-of-the-art water electrolysis catalysts remain poorly understood, limiting progress towards rational catalyst design.
The project focuses on transition metal oxyhydroxides, a promising family of earth-abundant electrocatalysts based on iron, cobalt, manganese and nickel. These materials are highly active but structurally complex, making it difficult to determine how composition and nanoscale structure influence catalytic behaviour.
To overcome this challenge, our research group has developed a unique model catalyst platform based on well-defined oxyhydroxide nanoflakes grown using reactive physical vapour deposition. These model systems retain the atomic-scale structure of practical catalysts while providing unprecedented control over composition and morphology, enabling fundamental structure-property relationships to be established.
During the PhD, you will:
- Synthesize and characterise advanced transition metal oxyhydroxide catalysts.
- Correlate atomic-scale structure with catalytic activity using advanced spectroscopy, microscopy and electrochemistry.
- Apply your findings to guide the rational design of improved catalysts for practical electrolyser systems.
The project provides extensive training in state-of-the-art materials characterisation and electrochemistry, including X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), thin-film growth by physical vapour deposition, and electrochemical testing methodologies.
You will join a vibrant and collaborative research environment within the University of Manchester, working alongside postdoctoral researchers and PhD students focussing on using cutting-edge surface science techniques to understand catalysts. Access to dedicated technical specialists and world-class facilities will support your development as an independent researcher. Collaboration with experts in electrochemical system design will provide additional opportunities to connect fundamental science with real-world applications.
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) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics OR Chemical Engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or Chemical Engineering. Previous research experience in surface science techniques and/or electrochemical techniques is desirable. Applicants interested in advanced materials characterisation and sustainable energy technologies are encouraged to apply.
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.