Publisher
source

University of Exeter

Just Landed

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 flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Exeter

Apply for this position

Keywords

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Electrochemistry
Physics
advanced battery materials

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

University of Birmingham

Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) in Sustainable Manufacturing of Functional Ceramics at the University of Birmingham , School of Metallurgy and Materials, is open in the United Kingdom. This fixed-term postdoctoral research role is part of the SuMaCer project: Sustainable Manufacturing of Functional Ceramics for Europe’s Net-Zero Industry Energy Devices , funded by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme. The successful candidate will contribute to research on the sustainability assessm...

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
+4 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

Richard Barker

University of Leeds

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Leeds on Understanding and Predicting CaCO3 Growth on Subsea Infrastructure . This project investigates the formation and growth of calcareous deposits (CaCO3) on subsea infrastructure and their impact on cathodic protection systems. The research combines experimental investigation, advanced characterisation, electrochemical analysis, and predictive modelling to improve offshore engineering design. The project is undertaken in collaboration with Deepwater EU ...

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Mechanical Engineering
+4 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

Daniel Lee

University of Manchester

Country flag

United Kingdom

The University of Manchester is hiring a Research Associate in Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy in Manchester, United Kingdom . This is a postdoctoral opening focused on solid-state NMR , dynamic nuclear polarization , and the study of molecular solid solution formation . The post is being shared by Daniel Lee , Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester. The opportunity appears to sit within Chemical Engineering and related Chemistry / Materials Science research, with a...

Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+2 more

4 weeks ago

Publisher
source

Sandy Kilpatrick

University of Leicester

Country flag

United Kingdom

New PhD studentship at the University of Leicester via CENTA (Central England NERC Training Alliance) , co-supervised by Patricia Rodriguez Macia and developed in collaboration with Dominik H. The project focuses on Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) and how they influence proton transfer and selectivity in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction , especially in competition with hydrogen evolution . Research will combine non-precious metal porphyrinoid synthesis , electrochemistry , and spectroscopy , and will...

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
+5 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

University of Exeter

Country flag

United Kingdom

[Fully funded 3-year PhD studentship covering international tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year.] This fully funded PhD studentship at the University of Exeter focuses on tandem catalysts for selective acidic CO₂ electrolysis . The project sits at the intersection of electrocatalysis, electrochemical engineering, and advanced materials, with the goal of improving the selectivity and stability of CO₂ conversion under acidic conditions. The research will develo...

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
+5 more

2 weeks ago

About this position

[Funding of fees plus a stipend per annum for 2026/7; stipend amount listed as £21,805.]

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.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.