Hybrid paired electrolysis integrating food-derived anodic reactions for energy-efficient hydrogen production and chemical valorization
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 1st May 2026
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2026
For further details contact: Associate Professor John Graves
Introduction
Hydrogen is increasingly vital to the clean‑energy strategies of both the UK and India, with the UK targeting up to 10 GW of low‑carbon hydrogen production by 2030 to support industrial decarbonisation and energy security, while India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for five million tonnes of annual green hydrogen production by 2030 to reduce fossil‑fuel imports and drive clean industrial growth. However, widespread adoption depends on reducing the cost of hydrogen production, and one promising route is replacing the energy‑intensive oxygen evolution reaction with alternative, value‑added anodic oxidation reactions that lower cell voltage and improve process efficiency.
Project details
This research project aims to develop next‑generation, energy‑efficient electrolysers for green hydrogen production through paired electrocatalysis. The work focuses on reducing the cost and energy demand of hydrogen generation by replacing the conventional, energy‑intensive oxygen evolution reaction with alternative value‑added anodic oxidation reactions that require lower cell voltages. By integrating these more favourable anodic pathways, the project seeks to simultaneously improve electrolyser efficiency and produce sustainable chemicals from renewable feedstocks. The research will establish fundamental catalyst design principles, elucidate reaction mechanisms, and develop scalable membrane‑separated reactor systems to enable durable, high‑performance hydrogen production.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Studentships include one return economy airfare to GITAM/Coventry University, visa and overseas healthcare to cover the mobility period.
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Entry requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
- A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
How to apply
To find out more about the project, please contact Associate Professor John Graves
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Apply to Coventry University
