[FSE Bicentenary PhD] Scalable 2D Materials-based Membranes for Efficient Hydrogen Generation via Water Electrolysis

This project aims to develop innovative 2D material-based laminate membranes to enhance the performance and safety of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers (PEMWEs). PEMWEs are devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, facilitating the production of clean hydrogen fuels, which are essential for the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, current PEMWEs face significant challenges that limit their efficiency and durability, such as hydrogen crossover from the cathode to the anode, where it reacts with oxygen and forms water. This not only reduces hydrogen yield but also creates potential safety risks, including explosions. Existing solutions typically rely on expensive platinum catalysts or thicker membranes, both of which increase costs and system resistance.

Previous research has explored the potential of graphene and graphene/polymer composite membranes, but these materials have shown limitations, including reduced proton conductivity, modest hydrogen crossover barriers, poor mechanical stability, and scalability challenges. The proposed project seeks to address these issues by developing novel membranes based on functionalized 2D laminar membranes that can effectively transport protons while blocking hydrogen.

This project will focus on designing membranes using different functionalized 2D materials (e.g., sulfonated) to optimize both proton conductivity and hydrogen barrier properties. The membranes will act as a selective barrier to prevent hydrogen crossover while enabling efficient proton transport. Key objectives include achieving optimal proton conductivity through precise control over the functionalization and assembly of the 2D materials. Additionally, ensuring mechanical robustness and preventing delamination during operation will be critical. To address these challenges, strategies such as crosslinking, reinforcement fillers, and surface modifications of the 2D layers will be explored.

Furthermore, the project will focus on developing scalable manufacturing methods for large-area, defect-free membranes. This will involve implementing solution processing techniques, such as spray/spin coating and layer-by-layer assembly, along with developing in-line defect detection strategies using optical spectroscopy to ensure quality control during production. 

Before you apply:

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply: To be considered for this project you’ll need complete a formal application through our online application portal. This link should directly open an application for FSE Bicentenary PhD.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your proposed supervisor/s, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You also need to provide a Personal Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project and your CV. Your application cannot be processed without all of the required documents, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines where applications are incomplete.

Equality, diversity and inclusion: Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Eligibility: Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

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