About the Project
This project is one of a number in competition for a studentship from the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. If successful, this studentship is expected to commence 28 September 2026.
An alternative start date may be possible if agreed with your intended supervisors and the Doctoral College.
Project Background:
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a highly promising class of crystalline porous materials formed from metal ions or clusters that are interlinked by bridging organic ligands. Their ultra-high surface areas, tunable pore structures, and chemical versatility make them excellent candidates for gas storage applications, especially for hydrogen and carbon dioxide—two key gases in clean energy and climate change mitigation.
This project aims to develop sustainable, solvent-free synthesis routes for MOFs using mechanochemistry, with a specific focus on enhancing their gas storage performance. Conventional solvothermal synthesis often requires toxic solvents, elevated temperatures, and long reaction times, generating significant waste and energy demand. In contrast, mechanochemical methods—such as ball milling—require minimal or no solvents and offer an energy-efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly alternative.
The research will involve:
• Mechanochemical synthesis of benchmark MOFs (e.g., HKUST-1 and ZIF series) [1].
• In situ and post-synthetic modification to introduce functional groups or metal substitution, improving gas affinity and uptake.
• Characterisation using powder XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM, BET surface area analysis, and porosity measurements. The candidate will also have the opportunity of receiving training and access to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) at the EPSRC National Facility for XPS located in Harwell, Oxfordshire.
• Gas adsorption testing for CO₂ and H₂ to evaluate storage performance under various pressures and temperatures [2].
Mechanochemical approaches will also be explored to introduce framework defects, control pore size and particle size distributions, and tune surface chemistry—all of which influence gas selectivity and capacity. The insights gained into structure–property relationships will help guide the rational design of next-generation MOFs for high-performance gas storage.
This project aligns closely with the Faculty’s strategic priorities in Advanced Materials, Low Carbon Futures, and Sustainability, by promoting circular, low-impact synthesis routes for functional materials in hydrogen energy. It directly supports the UK’s net-zero strategy through the development of solid-state materials for hydrogen storage and carbon capture applications.
Students will gain experience in solid-state synthesis, materials characterisation, gas sorption analysis, and green chemistry—skills that are highly transferable to both academic research and industrial roles in energy, environment, and materials sectors.
The project has potential synergies with other work in catalysis, hydrogen storage composites, CO₂ capture systems, or difficult / high-value gas separations. It also offers strong potential to evolve into a multidisciplinary PhD project spanning materials engineering, sustainability, and energy science.
Candidate requirements:
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1st or 2.1, or international equivalent. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline – no exceptions will be considered.
The ideal applicant will have a background in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. A strong interest in sustainable materials, and hydrogen energy.
Enquiries:
Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Prof Mi Tian
Application deadline: 30 November 2025
For more information and to apply visit https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/bath-engineering-and-design-studentships-mechanochemically-engineered-metal-organic-frameworks-mofs-for-advanced-gas-storage-mega-mof/?p188197
