- Institution: Loughborough University
- Primary supervisor: Dr Sina Saremi-Yarahmadi
- Secondary supervisor: Professor Wen Feng Lin
- PhD student Jiaqi Wang
Project summary
Meeting Net Zero targets will require advanced energy conversion technologies that are efficient, durable, and scalable. Proton-conducting solid oxide materials are a promising solution for fuel cells and electrolysers, offering high performance and compatibility with sustainable energy systems. However, their processing and long-term durability remain key challenges.
This project focuses on researching and optimizing the processing of proton-conducting solid oxide materials for use in fuel cells and electrolysers. The work will investigate how processing techniques influence thermomechanical properties, aiming to improve performance and ensure reliability under demanding operating conditions. Catalysts will play a supporting role, but the primary emphasis is on material processing and structural integrity.
The ultimate goal is to develop processing strategies that deliver robust, high-performing proton-conducting materials, enabling next-generation fuel cell and electrolyser technologies and accelerating the transition to Net Zero.
Meet the researcher
Hi, I am Jiaqi, and I am a member of EnerHy CDT cohort 2. Before this, I completed my BEng in Materials Science at Loughborough University, researching processing methods of functional ceramics.
I then obtained a Master’s from Imperial College, where I worked on battery modelling.
In my PhD, I will be researching the processing of proton-conducting solid oxide materials for fuel cell and electrolyser applications, focusing on improving their thermomechanical properties to enhance performance and long-term durability.
Perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but one day we will run out of petroleum. Let’s work together to build the foundation for the energy system to power our future
Jiaqi is selected to present at the ASTM International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing (ICAM 2026) in Orlando, Florida.
Read the news announcement to find out more.