Cranfield University
5 days ago
PhD Studentship in Ammonia Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Carbon-Free Energy Production Cranfield University in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 14, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
Cranfield University
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About this position
A fully funded PhD studentship is available at Cranfield University on Ammonia Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Carbon-Free Energy Production. The project is supported by EPSRC through a Doctoral Landscape Award and is aligned with the UK net-zero transition, hydrogen technologies, and low-carbon energy systems.
The research aims to develop a direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for efficient and carbon-free heat and/or power generation. Ammonia is being explored as a practical hydrogen carrier because it can be stored at room temperature and relatively low pressure, offers useful energy density, and benefits from existing global infrastructure. A key challenge is to convert ammonia into energy efficiently while minimising emissions, and this PhD will address that challenge through a novel catalyst design strategy and electrochemical conversion approach.
The project will investigate new electrocatalysts for ammonia conversion and evaluate their performance in terms of energy efficiency and NOx formation. The work sits at the intersection of electrochemistry, catalysis, energy materials, and sustainable fuels. Cranfield highlights its expertise in hydrogen and ammonia research, and the successful student will also join the newly built Hydrogen Integration Incubator, a major £69 million hub supporting hydrogen technology development and commercialisation.
This is a PhD studentship of three years, starting on 25 January 2027. The award provides a tax-free stipend of £24,500 per year plus tuition fees and research costs. The studentship is open to UK, EU, and international applicants, although only a limited number of awards are available to applicants from outside the UK.
Applicants should normally hold a first- or upper second-class degree or equivalent. The project is especially suitable for graduates in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Catalysis, Materials Science, Energy Engineering, or a related discipline, and industrial experience is welcomed. Supervision is provided by Dr Mingming Zhu and Dr Stefano Mori.
The application deadline is 14 October 2026. Interested candidates should review the opportunity details and submit the online application form. For further information, applicants may contact Dr Mingming Zhu at [email protected].
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a first- or upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent. The project is particularly suited to graduates in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Catalysis, Materials Science, Energy Engineering or a related discipline. Industrial experience is strongly welcomed. The opportunity is open to UK, EU and international applicants, although only a limited number of studentships are available to applicants from outside the UK.
How to apply
Check that you meet the eligibility criteria, then complete the online application form. For further information, contact Dr Mingming Zhu at [email protected].
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