University of Exeter
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PhD in Electrochemical Lithium Extraction University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 8, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter
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About this position
University of Exeter is offering a PhD studentship in Electrochemical Lithium Extraction at the Penryn Campus. This project addresses a major challenge for the UK clean-energy transition: securing a resilient, sustainable supply of lithium for batteries, energy storage, and electric vehicles.
The research will develop a lithium-selective membrane-based electrochemical extraction process for recovering lithium from complex brines. Rather than relying on slow, energy- and water-intensive evaporation-based methods, the project investigates ceramic lithium-ion conductors that can selectively transport Li+ while blocking competing ions such as Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. The work will explore NASICON-type and perovskite-type conductors and seek to improve selectivity, transport rate, chemical stability, and energy efficiency under realistic brine conditions.
Research objectives include systematically studying solid-state lithium-ion conductors to understand how composition, microstructure, defects, and grain boundaries influence conductivity and ion selectivity; identifying and mitigating membrane degradation in chemically complex and aqueous brines through surface modification, coatings, and additives; and demonstrating the optimized membrane in a full electrochemical lithium-extraction system to evaluate extraction efficiency, selectivity, and stability.
The project sits at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, energy systems, and sustainable resource recovery. It is designed to produce fundamental understanding as well as practical insights for future scale-up and integration into low-carbon lithium recovery processes. Engagement with the emerging critical-minerals and geothermal sectors will help ensure the work is relevant to industrial and resource-processing challenges.
Funding: The studentship provides funding of fees plus a stipend for 2026/7, with a stated annual stipend of £21,805.
Deadline: 8 December 2026.
Location: University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, United Kingdom.
This opportunity will suit applicants interested in electrochemistry, solid-state ion conductors, membranes, battery materials, and sustainable critical-mineral recovery.
Funding details
Available
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding page using the application link provided. Submit the required application materials before the deadline. Review the full advert for any additional supporting documents or eligibility checks.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.