Enhancing Membrane-Free Alkaline Electrolysis for Sustainable Hydrogen Production
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
This PhD studentship is part of the Engineering Hydrogen NetZero (EnerHy) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), an EPSRC-funded initiative focused on advancing research and training in green hydrogen and wind energy. Funded by CPH2 Limited and the EPSRC, this four-year PhD studentship, commencing in January 2026, is based at Loughborough and focuses on membrane-free alkaline electrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production. Capturing and storing energy from the unpredictable and intermittent resources of wind and solar is necessary to slow the climate crises caused by fossil fuel emissions.
Using the renewable energy to produce hydrogen via membrane-free alkaline water electrolysis is among the most promising ways to achieve this without depending on other limited resources. However, there is a need to accelerate improvements in the efficiency and stability of this technology using cost-effective solutions. Thus, this research aims to: Your research will synthesise novel electrode materials, characterise their properties and evaluate their electrocatalytic performance in membrane-free alkaline electrolysers.
You will study the effects of the geometry and surface chemistry of electrodes, as well as the local flow rate of electrolyte on the bubble dynamics in the electrolysers. Most of these activities will be based at Loughborough University where you will have access to a variety of instrumentation for electrochemical analysis, product gas analysis as well as advanced material characterisation. You will gain hands-on industrial experience at CPH2’s site, working alongside the R&D Team led by Dr Nicholas Baynes.
You will also receive specialist skills training through the EnerHy CDT. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Part of the EPSRC-funded EnerHy Centre for Doctoral Training
- Funded by CPH2 Limited and the EPSRC
- Synthesise and test novel electrode materials for alkaline electrolysers
- Investigate bubble dynamics, electrode geometry and electrolyte flow effects
- Hands-on industrial experience with CPH2's R&D team
- Access to electrochemical, gas analysis and material characterisation instruments
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Electrochemical research scientist
- Hydrogen technology engineer
- Electrolyser R&D engineer
- Postdoctoral research associate
- Materials scientist
- Renewable energy research engineer
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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