About the Project
Supervisory team: Professor Geoffrey Hyett and Professor Gill Reid
This PhD will develop next-generation transparent conducting materials as sustainable alternatives to existing technologies that rely on scarce elements. Combining materials chemistry, thin-film deposition and industrial scale-up, the project will explore novel inorganic materials and work closely with NSG Pilkington to translate laboratory discoveries towards manufacturing applications.
Transparent conducting materials are essential components of modern technologies, including touch-screen displays, and energy-efficient glazing. However, many current transparent conductors rely on elements that face increasing supply chain pressures and long-term sustainability concerns. The development of alternative materials that combine optical transparency with electrical conductivity is therefore a major scientific and technological challenge.
This PhD project will build on recent development work at the University of Southampton that has enabled the deposition of a new family of inorganic materials with the potential for use in transparent conductor applications. Working under the supervision of Professor Geoffrey Hyett and Professor Gill Reid, and in partnership with NSG Pilkington, you will investigate how composition, processing conditions and targeted chemical modifications influence the electronic and optical properties of these materials.
The project will involve the utilisation of alternative materials for the deposition of thin films using advanced deposition techniques, followed by comprehensive structural, compositional and functional characterisation. You will evaluate film transparency, conductivity and charge-transport behaviour to identify compositions with the greatest potential.
A distinctive feature of the project is its strong industrial focus. Through placements at NSG Pilkington's European Technology Centre as required, you will have the opportunity to work with industrial-scale coating technologies and investigate how laboratory deposition methods can be translated towards commercial manufacturing processes. This will provide valuable experience in technology scale-up and industrial research environments.
You will develop expertise in thin-film synthesis, materials characterisation, and process optimisation, while contributing to the development of sustainable technologies.
The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees' well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- chemistry
- materials science
- physics
- chemical engineering
- or a related discipline
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
Apply now
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Chemistry (7189)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- your CV (resume)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, g.hyett@soton.ac.uk