Development of a Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) based Self-Powered Smart Face Mask for Early Diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Initial Application deadline: 25 May 2025 

Full Application deadline: 5 June 2025 

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2025

For further details contact:

Dr Haipeng Liu (Coventry University) or Dr Lignesh Durai (GITAM)

Introduction

This fully funded research PhD project is part of the Cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and GITAM (Deemed to be University). Each scholar will receive two doctoral degrees, one from GITAM, one from Coventry University.

Research Scholars receive stipends and full research infrastructure access in both the universities.

The PhD Student will start at GITAM University, with the supervision team drawn from the two universities.

Project details

This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to develop a self-powered smart face mask integrated with MoS₂ and MXene-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to enable early, non-invasive diagnosis of pulmonary edema (PE) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The smart mask will detect CO₂ levels in exhaled breath, serving as a biomarker for hypercapnia and hypoxemia—key indicators of PE.

The mask will be self-sustained, comfortable, and suitable for real-time monitoring, utilising cutting-edge materials science, biosensor engineering, and data analytics. The candidate will undertake synthesis, fabrication, optimisation, and real-world testing. The outcomes will contribute to next-generation wearable medical technologies, particularly for resource-limited settings.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who have a strong interest in developing innovative healthcare technologies and has a broad understanding of cardiorenal diseases. The PhD project requires working with materials scientist, biomedical engineers, and computer scientists at different stages along the development pathway – and will lead to high-quality publications.

Funding

Tuition fees and stipend

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.

Candidate specification

Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and GITAM for entry to the cotutelle programme.

• Applicants should have a Master’s degree at 55%.
• 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.
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study.