QUEX January 2026 Entry - Electrochemical Lithium Extraction (ELITE). [Engineering], PhD Studentship (Funded) Ref: 5531

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the QUEX Institute. The joint PhD programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world-class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities offered at the two institutions, with a lead supervisor within each university. This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel funds and research training support grants to the successful applicants.  The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Eight generous, fully-funded studentships are available for the best applicants, four offered by the University of Exeter and four by the University of Queensland. This select group will spend at least one year at each University and will graduate with a joint degree from the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland.

Find out more about the PhD studentships www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds

Successful applicants will have a strong academic background and track record to undertake research projects based in one of the three themes of:  Healthy Living, Global Environmental Futures and Digital Worlds and Disruptive Technologies.

The closing date for applications is mid-day May 15th 2025 (BST), with interview to be w/c 16th June 2025 (tbc). The start date is expected to be Monday January 5th 2026.

Please note that of the eight Exeter led projects advertised, we expect that up to four studentships will be awarded to Exeter based students.

Theme: Mineral Security & Sustainability

Supervisors:

Exeter Academic Lead: Dr Zhenyu Zhang

Queensland Academic Lead: Professor Lianzhou Wang

Project Description

Electrochemical lithium extraction offers an appealing method for extracting lithium from low-concentration brine lake water or seawater, without the need for the time-consuming evaporation process. The basic principle of this system involves two main approaches: (1) driving lithium ions with an external electric current either into an electrode or (2) through a lithium-selective membrane. For example, TiO2-coated LiFePO4 electrode material combined with a pulse electrochemical method was used to adsorb lithium ions from seawater (Joule 2020, 4, 1459.). However, the adsorption suffers from slow kinetics and material degradation by competing ions. The alternative method employs a lithium-ion selective membrane, allowing only lithium ions to be electrically mobilized across it, while other cations are blocked due to crystal mismatch, remaining in the original electrolyte. Typically, the membrane consists of a lithium ion-conducting material, similar to those used as solid electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. For example, NASICON-type (Li1+xAlyGe2-y(PO4)3, LAGP) (Joule 2018, 2, 1648.) and glass-type (Li0.33La0.56TiO3, LLTO) (Energy Environ. Sci. 2021, 14, 3152.) lithium-ion conductors have been used in this system. As shown in the figure, by continuously introducing seawater or brine water on the anode side, lithium-ion concentration can be increased on the cathode side. Lithium salt precipitation in the cathode side aqueous electrolyte or lithium metal deposition on cathode with organic electrolyte can be achieved. Simultaneously, byproduct such as Cl2/O2 and H2 gases are generated on the electrodes. Although this design has been demonstrated in several publications, significant challenges persist, such as the low selectivity ratio of lithium ions, slow kinetics for the lithium transport, low lithium generation rate and low energy efficiency.

In this project, the main objectives include:

Develop novel lithium selective membrane, based on the advanced solid state electrolyte materials for all-solid-state lithium-ion battery. Using surface coating materials to protect and improve the ion selectivity, conductivity, and long-term stability in different electrolyte.
Design new electrolyte systems for the electrochemical process, such as catalyst materials on the anode, using of anion exchange membrane for the anode protection electrolyte, and electrolyte of cathode side, to optimize the efficiency of lithium production.
Integrate the system with renewable energy sources to achieve sustainable lithium extraction. Demonstrate the practical application of the according to the industry needs.
From the Exeter side, Dr Zhenyu Zhang is an expert in the material degradation study of electrochemical systems, especially in lithium-ion battery and solid-state electrolytes; Prof. Xiaohong Li's team provides specialised knowledge in energy conversion systems such as hydrogen production from sea water and membrane-free flow batteries. From the Queensland side, Prof. Lianzhou Wang and Dr. Haijiao Lu offer expertise in materials synthesis and characterisation and developing catalysts electrochemical reactions. The objectives 1 are expected to be progressed at Queensland with their abundant resources for catalyst synthesis and performance evaluation, and the objectives 2-3 will be achieved at Exeter with the excellent facilities and infrastructures for system development and large-scale demonstration. The collaboration between the teams will leverage the combined knowledge and facilities to ELITE.

Entry requirements

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BA or BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.

How to apply

Apply now

You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, personal statement, academic transcripts and details of two academic referees. Your supporting statement should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project, with particular reference to the collaborative nature of the partnership with the University of Queensland, and how this will enhance your training and research.

Please quote reference 5531 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary