Study of Hydrodynamics and Interfacial Electrochemistry in Next-Generation Membraneless Fuel Cells

About the project

About the Project Current fuel-cell technologies suffer from major limitations associated with the use of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), including high material cost, fuel crossover, membrane degradation, water management challenges, and lack of long-term operational stability. These issues are particularly severe in liquid fuel cells, such as direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), where fuel crossover and membrane deterioration significantly reduce both efficiency and durability. This PhD project will investigate a radically new electrochemical architecture in which the conventional membrane is replaced by a dynamic gas–liquid interface. The concept is based on the generation of a stratified gas (oxidant) –liquid (fuel) flow within milli- and microchannels, enabling the formation of a stable interface that spatially separates the anode and cathode. The successful candidate will experimentally investigate the coupled hydrodynamic and electrochemical phenomena governing the operation of the proposed fuel cell and will develop Alpha prototypes. During the first phase of the project, the research will focus on understanding proton-transfer mechanisms across the gas–liquid interface and establishing the fundamental operating principles of the new system. In the second phase, a fuel-cell prototype will be designed and fabricated, followed by a comprehensive parametric study aiming to optimise performance, stability, and efficiency under different operating conditions. The project combines knowledge of chemical engineering, electrochemistry, and multiphase flows, offering a unique opportunity to work at the frontier of sustainable energy research. If successful, this work could establish an entirely new class of membraneless fuel cells with simplified architecture, reduced material requirements, and compatibility with a broad range of liquid fuels. Eligibility Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a first-class or high 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) in: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related disciplines. Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable; electrochemistry, microfluidics, multiphase flows, fuel cells, experimental fluid mechanics. Strong experimental skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research are essential. Funding This 3.5 year PhD project is for self funded students only. If you require funding, please discuss this with your supervisor. Unfortunately, funding opportunities are limited at this time of year. Before you apply We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. How to apply Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress CV Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it). Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference) English Language certificate (if applicable) If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk . Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is 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).

Research areas