Pressurised Ion Transport in Nanoporous Materials (Joint PhD at Birmingham and Melbourne) University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

This joint PhD project, hosted by the University of Birmingham and the University of Melbourne, investigates water and ion transport under nanoconfinement in nanoporous materials, with a focus on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) such as ZIF-8. The research explores how squeezing liquid water into extremely small hydrophobic pores creates large solid-liquid interfaces, enabling efficient mechanical energy absorption and storage. The project leverages the complementary expertise of Dr Yueting Sun’s group (experimental research at Birmingham) and Prof Zhe Liu’s group (molecular simulation at Melbourne), combining state-of-the-art experimentation, in-situ diagnostics, and advanced computational platforms.

Recent findings have demonstrated the potential of MOFs as efficient and reusable mechanical energy absorbers, with ions playing a critical role during liquid intrusion. Molecular simulations reveal that the cage-type ZIF-8 pores resemble biological ion channels, offering ultrafast and selective ion transport. The project aims to advance fundamental understanding of ion transport under extreme confinement and dynamic pressurisation, enabling rational design of energy absorption and storage systems, as well as accelerated ion separation and energy conversion technologies.

As a PhD student, you will spend time at both universities, gaining access to experimental and computational facilities, as well as external central resources. The project is highly interdisciplinary, welcoming applicants from chemistry, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, mechanics, or crystallography. You will benefit from the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (Dr Yueting Sun) and the Australian Future Fellowship (Prof Zhe Liu), with support for career and professional development, training, and development opportunities.

The position is fully funded for students worldwide, including relocation support and travel funds between Birmingham and Melbourne. The universities are committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, providing a supportive environment for research and collaboration. The project fosters long-term partnerships between Birmingham, Melbourne, and their research partners, offering close interaction with local research communities and world-leading collaborators.

Applicants should have a good degree (UK First or at least a 2:1) in a relevant discipline and a collaborative attitude. To apply, email Dr Yueting Sun ([email protected]) or Prof Zhe Liu ([email protected]) with your CV. The application deadline is March 29, 2026.