NSIRC Novel Coatings for Hydrogen Service
NSIRC Novel Coatings for Hydrogen Service
National Structural Integrity Research Centre (NSIRC)
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
Amidst the global shift towards sustainable energy, hydrogen has emerged as a crucial clean energy contender. Its vital role in achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, as well as the UK's commitment to low carbon hydrogen, emphasise the urgent need for secure and effective hydrogen storage and transport. This underscores the critical necessity for research in hydrogen barrier coatings and innovative hydrogen-compatible materials. Challenges in material transport due to hydrogen's unique properties, particularly embrittlement issues in high-strength steels, demand comprehensive solutions. Addressing surface oxide effects on hydrogen transport is pivotal and requires thorough exploration. Advancing hydrogen barrier coating test methods and material development not only ensures safety but also enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and accelerates hydrogen technology adoption. This research is important in ensuring safety, sustainability, and unlocking hydrogen's potential as a clean energy solution towards a Net-Zero future..
The aim of this project is to create innovative materials and coatings that can be advantageous for hydrogen-related applications. Advanced electrochemical techniques will be utilised to precisely study how hydrogen transports through different metals. These techniques will be essential for evaluating the efficiency of newly developed alloys like high entropy alloys (HEAs). These new alloys will be generated through electrodeposition as part of the PhD project and will be compared to commonly usedengineering alloys.
The main focus will be on investigating how surface oxides influence hydrogen ingress. By achieving these goals, this project aims to enhance the field of hydrogen-related material science, assisting in the creation of innovative alloys and coatings with improved properties for use in hydrogen storage, transport, and utilisation applications.
The project's key steps include an extensive literature review to comprehend hydrogen transport mechanisms in metallic materials, calibration of the electrochemical technique with conventional alloys, development of novel alloys based on literature insights, utilising electrodeposition for novel alloy coating fabrication, electrochemical evaluation of hydrogen diffusion through these alloys, investigation of surface oxide effects through advanced surface analysis techniques, exploration of temperature, hydrogen flux, and electrolyte composition effects, data analysis to correlate properties with diffusion characteristics, and finally, compiling results for publication and presentation. By systematically executing this approach, the project aims to enhance the understanding of hydrogen diffusion in metals, contribute to novel alloy development, and uncover the significance of surface oxides in the process.
Candidate Entry Requirements
Candidates should have (or be on target to achieve within the next 12 months) a degree at 2.1 minimum in maths, physics or relevant Engineering discipline, or an equivalent overseas degree in relevant subjects.Overseas applicants should also submit IELTS results (minimum 6.5) if applicable.
This project is funded by the TWI Core Research Programme (CRP). The funding covers the cost of Home/EU tuition fees and a standard tax-free bursary stipend of approximately £23,000 - £26,000 per year for three and a half years. Non-EU students are welcome to apply, but the funding will only cover the cost of overseas tuition fees and the applicant needs to self-fund their living cost for three and a half years.
TWI's Core Research Programme (CRP) provides funding for NSIRC PhD Studentships that are designed to meet the needs of TWI Industrial Member companies. Projects are selected that address the most significant challenges currently faced by TWI and its Industrial Members, in relation to specific technology areas and/or industry sectors that have been identified as being of critical interest to future operations.
About University/Department
Brunel, University of London is a public research institution situated in Uxbridge, London, England. Named after the Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, known for his contributions during the Industrial Revolution, the university was established in June 1966 when Brunel College of Advanced Technology received a royal charter. With a strong emphasis on industry collaboration, Brunel has served as the lead academic partner of NSIRC since 2012 and has been a significant client of TWI for many years before that.
The National Structural Integrity Research Centre is a state-of-the-art postgraduate engineering facility established and managed by structural integrity specialist TWI. Working closely with top UK and International Universities and a number of leading industrial partners, NSIRC aims to deliver industry led and relevant cutting edge research and highly qualified personnel to its key industrial partners.
TWI is a membership-based organisation that supports both individuals and companies. It exists to provide authoritative and impartial expert advice, know-how, and safety assurance through engineering, materials, and joining technologies, helping clients design, create, and operate the best products possible. TWI spans innovation, knowledge transfer, and problem resolution across all aspects of welding, joining, surface engineering, inspection, and whole-life integrity management. Descended from the British Welding Research Association (BWRA), TWI has grown into one of the foremost independent research and technology organizations.
TWI Culture
As one of the world’s leading independent research and technology organisations, we are committed to attracting, motivating and retaining the best talent from around the world. Our goal is to develop the next generation of experts to address future industry challenges.
We are committed to creating a culture that recognises and respects the differences between people while valuing the contribution everyone makes to TWI.
The diversity of our staff and students makes a positive and important contribution to our continuing success.
TWI offers a comprehensive training programme, incorporating both in-house and external courses to support staff development.
TWI Values:
Our six values provide a point of reference for the way we expect our people to operate and behave.
- Inclusion: Valuing the contribution from every individual, creating value for our customers
- Teamwork: Building effective working relationships, we accomplish more together
- Adaptability: Engaging positively with change to meet the needs of the business
- Taking Responsibility: Achieving our objectives and personal development
- Innovation & Expertise: Championing new ideas and sharing knowledge to solve industry problems
- Customer Focus: Building trusting relationships with our customers
