Enhancing Membrane-Free Alkaline Electrolysis for Sustainable Hydrogen Production

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

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

October 2026

31 July 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom