The Development and Optimisation of Micro/Nano Plastic Sensors for Sustainable Green Hydrogen Production

Micro/nano plastic pollution in aquatic environments is a critical global concern, detrimental to ecosystems, water resources and global health. The presence of these contaminants in wastewater poses challenges for industries, including hydrogen production, where water quality directly impacts electrolyser performance and hydrogen purity. Current detection technologies lack the specificity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to address this issue. This project seeks to bridge these gaps by leveraging cutting-edge, cost-effective electrochemical sensor technologies and advanced machine-learning algorithms to ensure high sensitivity, selectivity, and operational efficiency.

The project aim is to develop advanced and cost-effective electrochemical sensing methodologies for detecting micro/nano plastics in wastewater, enabling improved water quality monitoring for HydroStar’s sustainable green hydrogen production.

The proposed EngD studentship will work closely with HydroStar Europe Ltd., a green hydrogen production technology leader. HydroStar's expertise and infrastructure will offer a practical framework for testing and validating the developed sensor technology in real-world industrial environments.

During the course of the EngD, the student will design and optimise a prototype sensor for detecting micro and nano plastics in both ultra-pure and wastewater environments, validate the accuracy and reliability of the sensor through laboratory testing under various water conditions, evaluate the sensor's potential to improve water quality monitoring in green hydrogen production applications, and assess the scalability of the developed sensor for integration into industrial water quality assessment systems.

The EngD will start with literature review, followed by sensor design and development using machine learning, laboratory testing and impact analysis, scaling and field testing, and dissemination and commercialisation.

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters qualification. Applications from both UK and overseas students are welcome.

The studentship is supported for 4 years (1 year taught element + 3 year industry research project) and includes full Home tuition fees, Bench fee plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025/26 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee rates. The international component of the fee may be waived for outstanding international applicants.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr David F L Jenkins at dfjenkins@plymouth.ac.uk.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 28 March 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly thereafter. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.