About the Project
The project:
Global freshwater scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges of the century. Traditional desalination and water purification methods are often energy-intensive and geographically constrained. Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH)— the capture of moisture directly from ambient air offers a sustainable, decentralized solution, particularly in arid and remote regions.
This project leverages the unique properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), which are highly porous, crystalline materials assembled from metal ion clusters and organic linkers. MOFs possess exceptionally high surface areas and tunable pore environments, making them ideal solid adsorbents for selective and efficient water uptake and release at ambient conditions.
Research Aim
To design, synthesize, characterize, and integrate new MOFs and MOF composites with optimal hydroscopic properties for low-energy, cyclic AWH systems. The goal is to maximize the amount of water harvested per cycle while minimizing the energy required for desorption.
Research Objectives
The successful candidate will be expected to focus on the following core areas:
Synthesis and Design: Rational design and synthesis of novel, water-stable MOF architectures using solvothermal methods, focusing on maximizing porosity and minimizing framework degradation under cyclic humid conditions.
Characterization: Comprehensive material characterization using standard techniques, including surface area analyses, Gas/Water Vapor Adsorption Isotherms; Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction; Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC); Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) etc.
Optimization: Functionalizing MOF pores and developing MOF/Polymer composites to enhance thermal conductivity and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance, tuning the framework for rapid, low-temperature water release.
Prototype Integration: Load the optimized MOF material into a lab-scale AWH prototype and evaluate performance under simulated and natural environmental conditions.
This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the forefront of materials science and engineering. Successful candidates will have a strong background in chemistry, materials science, or a related field. Any evidence (such as publication) of prior research experience will be an advantage.
Candidate requirements:
Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a pass at master’s degree level (or international equivalent) in a science, mathematics or engineering discipline. Applicants without a master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.
Any research experience in chemistry or materials science can be an advantage.
If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level: Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Contacts:
For questions about the research topic, please contact Dr Sanjit Nayak: s.nayak@bristol.ac.uk
For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk
How to apply:
Prior to submitting an online application, you will need to contact the project supervisor to discuss.
Online applications are made at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Aerospace Engineering PhD on the Programme Choice page.
If you would like to be considered for postgraduate research funding, ensure you select ‘University of Bristol scholarship‘ for the UoB scholarship, or ‘Engineering and Physical Science Research Council‘ for the EPSRC DLA Award under funding source when making your application.
Funding Notes
Funding will be considered by a competitive selection process. The stipend changes each year in line with national recommendations. For 2025-26 this is £20,780 annually for full-time study. For more details see: View Website
For eligibility and residence requirements please check the UKRI UK Research and Innovation website
