Graham Newton

[Studentship covers fees at the Home rate for UK and EU applicants with pre-settled or settled status who meet the residency criteria.] PhD Studentship in Electrocatalysis of sulfur redox in the solid state at the University of Nottingham. This project sits within the Nottingham Applied Materials and Interfaces Group and the wider lithium-sulfur battery research programme. The studentship focuses on interfacial processes in lithium-sulfur cells, with particular emphasis on developing new catalysts and electrocatalysts for sulfur redox reactions. The research is strongly aligned with next-generation energy storage, aiming to address key limitations of lithium-sulfur batteries and support alternatives to conventional lithium-ion technology. The successful student will work across synthetic and analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, and device fabrication. The project is collaborative and connected to the energy storage sector, offering training in experimental methods that are relevant to advanced battery research and emerging industries. The student will also join Cohort 9 of the Faraday Institution PhD Training Programme, which is designed to broaden knowledge, skills, and career prospects for UK battery researchers. Supervision is by Prof Graham Newton, Prof Lee Johnson, and Prof Darren Walsh. Applicants should have, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject such as chemistry, materials science, engineering, physics, or a related field. The studentship covers Home-rate fees for eligible UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status who meet the residency criteria. Start date: January 2027. Application deadline: 8 December 2026. To apply, contact Graham Newton by email first to register your interest, submit the Faraday Institution expression of interest form, and then complete the University of Nottingham application process.