PhD Studentship: Novel nanocomposite hydrogen storage materials

This exciting project will synthesis novel systems based on high gravimetric metal hydrides and complex hydrides and tailor the thermodynamic and kinetic performance of the material through the control of nanostructure and the selection of dehydrogenation agents. Many high capacity hydrogen storage materials like complex hydrides (e.g. lithium borohydride and light metal hydrides (e.g. magnesium hydride) require high operating temperatures in excess of 300°C in order to release the hydrogen. This project will investigate reactive nanocomposites based on these high hydrogen capacity materials, aiming for working temperatures close to ambient.

This project will explore a new family of reactive agents, optimising the kinetics of the system through the control of the nanostructure and the use of catalysts. The aim is to deliver a solid state hydrogen storage material with two to three times the capacity of current commercial alloys. The student will work within a very active hydrogen research group, investigating the synthesis of new materials and have access to a variety of materials characterisation and electron microscopy facilities to fully characterise the systems and correlate these properties with materials storage performance. The student will also have opportunities to run synchrotron and neutron experiments on their samples at Grenoble and other large-scale facilities, powerful techniques for in situ characterisation of the materials during cycling.

Funding Notes

The PhD position is available from 1 Sept 2018 (earlier start dates will be considered). The studentship covers both tuition fees and student stipend (£14,600 per annum for 2018/19 academic year). The student will also be part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fuel Cells and their Fuels.

UK/EU students. We are seeking a bright, highly motivated individual who has or is predicted to be awarded a first class or high 2(i) undergraduate honours degree or a second class honours degree plus a distinction at Master’s level in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or a relevant discipline.