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University of Exeter

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PhD Studentship: Tandem Catalysts for Selective Acidic CO₂ Electrolysis University of Exeter in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Available

Deadline

Dec 20, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Exeter

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Keywords

Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Electrochemistry
Material Characterization
Electrocatalysis
Carbon Emissions

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About this position

[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 develop advanced Cu-based and tandem catalysts to promote multicarbon products, especially ethylene. You will investigate how catalyst composition, nanostructure, support properties, and spatial organisation affect electrolysis performance. Possible strategies include nanostructured copper catalysts, catalyst confinement within porous supports, and tandem architectures that combine complementary catalytic functions.

Experimental work will include catalyst synthesis, materials characterisation, and electrochemical testing using gas-diffusion electrode and flow-cell systems. The project will assess product selectivity, reaction rate, carbon utilisation, and long-term stability, aiming to identify catalyst designs that perform well under practically relevant operating conditions.

The PhD is closely aligned with the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship led by Dr Mengnan Wang, which is developing scalable acidic CO₂ electrolysers for sustainable chemical manufacturing. This PhD specifically contributes to catalyst development and performance analysis within that broader programme, and the student will work in an interdisciplinary environment with opportunities to engage with academic and industrial collaborators.

Funding: This is a faculty-funded 3-year PhD studentship. It covers international tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year. Both UK and international applicants are eligible.

Eligibility: Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline. Experience in electrochemistry, catalysis, or materials synthesis is helpful but not required.

Deadline: 20 December 2026.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related discipline. Previous experience in electrochemistry, catalysis or materials synthesis would be beneficial but is not essential. Both UK and international applicants are eligible.

How to apply

Apply through the University of Exeter funding/application page using the provided application link. Review the project details carefully and ensure your application addresses the degree requirement and any relevant experience. Submit before 20 December 2026.

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