Smart Composite Material for Hydrogen Storage and Transition to Clean Energy
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers several potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
Research Opportunities
Summary
The incremental energy demand exacerbates the global warming issues. One of the main triggering factors for this raising global warming is the transportation sector which causes around 30% of the world’s emission. However, EU is facing several obstacles to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the transportation sector. Among these, safety concern in clean technologies is considered the bottleneck to implement emission free technology in transportation sector. Evaluating this obstacle, it was envisaged to run cars with electric power by the rotational power from the electric motor and avoiding the power from internal combustion (IC) engine. Hydrogen (H2) powered IC engine emits airborne pollutants like other IC engines. Supporting this finding, H2 powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) brings the clean and emission free transportation dreams into reality. The enormous merits of FCEV including zero emission, faster fuelling, noise free drive, economy and higher efficiency (⁓ 60%) are however restricted mainly due to the storage and safety challenges associated with the H2.
This project addresses the existing challenges in designing a safe H2 storage tank by developing innovative technologies for: (a) enhancing volumetric mass of H2 under pressurised condition; (b) a light weight energy storage by expanding storage of electrochemical energy in structural component without carrying any physical battery; (c) continuous monitoring of damage or leakage due to fatigue/impact; and (d) detection of accumulated moisture hazard well in advance before it causes any unwanted accidents. The intervening capability of this proposed vessel design is the unique characteristic which is missing in the current state of the art technologies. The proposed project ensures the comprehensive integrated power and safety features which will overcome the obstacles faced by the current FCEV technology and fostering the emission free transportation.
Aim
To develop a novel, sustainable, low cost and environmentally friendly smart and multifunctional composite pressure vessel.
Goal-A
Methodological development:
- Synthesise and evaluate new anode material compared to the conventional anode material in structural battery composite application.
- Design and develop a scalable layer-by-layer process for solid state battery utilising solid state electrolyte (SSE) and investigate the interfacial behaviour among cathode-SSE-anode using machine learning approach.
Goal-B
Application of methodological development in novel composite pressure vessel design:
- Apply the best available material and its subsequent structure evaluated in goal A in designing single cell smart structural battery composite (SSBC). Evaluation of a series of (i) battery testing; and (ii) structural/mechanical testing is needed.
- A multicell SSBC will be studied aiming to understand (i) battery performances; (b) structural integrity; and (iii) accuracy of micro crack and moisture ingression detection in any specific areas of the cells.
The investigation and validation of the developed experimental work with simulations which can be implemented on a case study scenario where a lab scale type IV composite pressure vessel will be selected to store hydrogen as a clean fuel for FCEV.
Essential and Desirable Criteria
You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at RGU. You will have a 1st class or 2:1 honours degree in Engineering, Chemistry or a related subject, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. An interest and knowledge in composite material is essential and battery knowledge is desirable. ;Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential.
Supervisors
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Research Theme
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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