Co Supervisors Prof Kai Yang and Dr Ioannis Zeimpekis

This PhD project aims to develop flexible fabric batteries using advanced vapour-based processes and next-generation materials, for powering wearable technology. This PhD combines material science, electronics, cleanroom fabrication and fashion, on a creative fabric plaform.

Integrating invisible tech into everyday clothing creates seamless functionality for nearly everyone, revolutionizing fitness, health, environmental, transport, and fashion industries. This PhD project aims to revolutionize wearable technology by developing flexible fabric batteries using cutting-edge vapour-based processes and novel fabrics, overcoming current limitations in e-textile manufacturing, particularly in energy storage.

The PhD student will combine complex material development at the forefront of electronic manufacturing with creative and non-traditional textiles.

They will gain experience in advanced cleanroom fabrication techniques such as Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), and Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), while exploring unique applications with fabrics and clothing. The student will use these materials to create fabric batteries, ideal for powering wearable tech.

This interdisciplinary project spans physics, engineering, electronics, chemistry, and fashion, co-supervised by Prof. Kai Yang from Winchester School of Art (WSA).

PhD students will join the Morgan Materials and Devices for Energy (MADE) research group and have access to world-class facilities at the University of Southampton, including the Zepler Institute Cleanrooms and the Printed electronics and materials (PEM) Laboratory . They will also join a cohort of PhD students in the University’s new Sustainability and Resilience Institute Centre for Postgraduate Research (SRI CPGR).

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including physics, engineering, electronics, and chemistry. School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and equity of opportunity, providing a unique, friendly, and supportive environment. The university is Athena SWAN Silver Award recognized, committed to improving equity for women in science and engineering.

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent

How to apply

PhD Application | Research | University of Southampton

You need to:

• choose programme type (research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• please select if you will be full time or part time
• choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
• add name of the supervisor Dr Katrina Morgan in section 2 of the application form

Applications should include:

• a personal statement
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date