PhD Research Studentships

New electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysers prepared by electrospinning

Supervisor: Ana JORGE SOBRIDO
Apply by:17 July 2016

Description

The Dr. Ana Jorge Sobrido’s research group focusses on synthesis, processing and optimisation of new electrocatalysts for energy technologies. Dr. Jorge is currently offering a 3-year fully funded PhD scholarship at the Materials Research Institute (MRI) of Queen Mary University of London, starting September-October 2016. This PhD project aims to develop conducting polymer/perovskite composites by electrospinning as alternative low-cost electrocatalysts to replace noble metals in PEM water electrolysers.

The search for green alternative sources of energy is of great importance in order to battle increasing greenhouse gases and global warming, and to meet the UK’s 2050 climate change targets. Some of these alternatives include fuel cells, solar cells, lithium-ion batteries and water electrolysers. The high cost of the noble metal catalysts, essential for the efficient performance of these devices, is one of the major drawbacks to their development in the current market. Although much research has been directed towards finding replacement materials, there is still a need for improvement in order to reduce the cost of the catalyst component while maintaining an acceptable performance and durability.

This PhD project will involve the synthesis of new composite materials by electrospinning such as LaMO3(M= Fe, Mn) /polyaniline (PANI) and evaluate their catalytic activity for oxygen electrocatalysis through the use of multiple electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry, rotational disc electrode, polarisation curve, corrosion tests in alkaline and acid media. Therefore, a solid background in electrochemical techniques and materials science is essential. Experience using characterisation equipment typically employed in materials research is also an advantage (XRD, UV-Vis, TGA, DSC, AFM, FTIR, Raman, BET, SEM, TEM). Electrode processing, membrane electrode assembly (MEA) preparation and device assembly will be also conducted within the framework of this PhD project, so the successful candidates will acquire very useful skills on energy devices (mainly PEM water electrolysers and fuel cells)that she/he will be able to apply to other energy technologies.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

  • Available to Full Time Home/EU/International Applicants.
  • Applicant required to start in Sept/Oct 2016.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£16,057 in 2016/17) for up to three years.
  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (e.g. materials science, electrochemistry, chemical engineering).
  • If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking).
  • International applicants should refer to the following website at http://www.qmul.ac.uk/international/index.html

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Ana Sobrido

E-mail: a.sobrido@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Materials Science programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the apply online link at: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials/

Further Guidance available via: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/applyresearchdegrees/index.html

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2016 MRI QMRS AS’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Deadline for applications: 17/07/2016

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
  • SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
  • Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
  • Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Ana JORGE SOBRIDO.