PhD Studentship in Tandem Catalysts for Selective Acidic CO2 Electrolysis
Develop advanced copper-based and tandem catalysts for scalable acidic carbon dioxide electrolysis.
Best for:Best for chemistry and chemical engineering graduates with an interest in electrocatalysis, materials science, and sustainable energy conversion.
Overview
The University of Exeter is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship focused on electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion and sustainable chemical manufacturing. Working within the Department of Engineering, the successful candidate will design, synthesize, and test advanced copper-based and tandem catalysts for selective acidic carbon dioxide electrolysis. The research aims to improve carbon utilization and produce high-value multicarbon products such as ethylene under practical operating conditions. Applicants will join an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate closely with ongoing research initiatives led by Dr Mengnan Wang.
What you'll do
- Synthesize novel nanostructured copper-based and tandem catalysts for acidic carbon dioxide electrolysis.
- Perform comprehensive materials characterization using advanced analytical techniques.
- Conduct electrochemical testing utilizing gas-diffusion electrode and flow-cell systems.
- Evaluate catalyst performance regarding product selectivity, reaction rates, and long-term stability.
- Analyze experimental data to establish clear structure-performance relationships for catalyst optimization.
- Engage with academic and industrial collaborators within a broader sustainable manufacturing research program.
Requirements
Degree required: First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline
- Ability to conduct rigorous experimental laboratory work and materials synthesis
- Capacity to analyze complex electrochemical and materials characterization data
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting research findings
- Open to both UK and international applicants
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-20
Interested applicants must submit their application through the official university funding application portal by the specified deadline. Ensure all required supporting documentation is uploaded correctly before submission.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
Mengnan Wang· Research Fellow
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