PhD Research Studentships

High Entropy Polymers for Renewable Energy Applications

Supervisor:	Michael REECE
Apply by:	28 January 2026
Start in:	September (Semester 1)

Description

The goal of this proposal is to investigate the use of interfacial effects in nominally immiscible polar polymers to produce enhanced dielectric properties. Using multiple polymer components, we aim to demonstrate that it may be possible to frustrate the immiscibility of polymers to create new polar structures. In this proposal we seek to develop methods and blends with high dielectric constant and low loss that can operate at high temperatures (up to 150C). These materials could be produced from waste polymer sources at low cost. They may find wide application in the electronics industry as high energy storage dielectric capacitors and link capacitors. They could potentially find wider application as battery materials.  We have assembled a team with a unique combination of expertise in polymer processing (Dimitrios Papageorgiou), high entropy materials (Mike Reece), characterisation of dielectrics (Haixue Yan) and local structure in solid state materials (Anthony Phillips). Preliminary results on this new line of research have recently been published - https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191986710.001.0001 

Funding

Funded by: China Scholarship Council
Candidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.

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 minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
• Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Michael REECE.

Apply

Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD FT Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-687" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

Related website:	https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/m.j.reece
Keywords:	Polymers