PhD Studentship: Energy Storage and Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Capture University of Cambridge in United Kingdom

[Maintenance grant at UKRI national rate and tuition fees at UK/home rate for 3.5 years. Non-UK applicants must fund the overseas fees differential or secure a suitable scholarship.] This PhD studentship at the University of Cambridge offers two exciting research projects in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, supervised by Professor Alexander Forse. The first project focuses on developing improved electrochemical energy storage devices, specifically supercapacitors, by investigating the role of disorder in enhancing energy storage and understanding the mechanisms that increase capacitance. The second project aims to create new, low-cost electrochemical processes for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Both projects involve the synthesis of new materials, conducting electrochemistry and gas adsorption experiments, and mechanistic studies using in situ NMR spectroscopy and computer simulations. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including gas adsorption instruments, potentiostats, NMR spectrometers, and wet-lab space. The Forse group is dedicated to developing innovative materials and processes for environmental sustainability.

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a UK upper second-class Master's degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related field. Experience in materials chemistry, electrochemistry, or solid-state NMR spectroscopy is advantageous but not required. The studentship provides a maintenance grant at the UKRI national rate and covers UK/home tuition fees for 3.5 years. Non-UK applicants must fund the overseas fee differential or secure a suitable scholarship.

The position starts in October 2026. The University of Cambridge encourages applications from all backgrounds and supports flexible working arrangements. For informal enquiries, contact Professor Forse at [email protected].

To apply, use the University Applicant Portal for the 'PhD in Chemistry' course, naming Professor Forse as supervisor and quoting reference MA47722.