PhD in Designing the best hydrogen production systems using modelling and machine learning

Loughborough University presents a learner-focused environment with extensive academic and campus resources tailored to international students. The institution highlights modern campus facilities, strong research and teaching support, and a wide-ranging library collection that supports coursework and independent study. Students benefit from well-equipped laboratories, collaborative study spaces and a library designed to meet the demands of diverse academic programs.

The university promotes a vibrant campus life through many clubs, societies and sports opportunities, encouraging students to balance academic work with extracurricular engagement. Student organizations cover arts, entrepreneurship, sports and cultural exchange, providing platforms for leadership, networking and social integration. On-campus catering, leisure facilities and landscaped areas create a welcoming atmosphere for study and relaxation.

International opportunities and partnerships enhance global mobility and employability, with pathways for study abroad, industry links and internship experiences that connect students with multinational employers. Teaching is delivered in modern facilities across multiple campuses, and student services support orientation, accommodation and academic success. Overall, this university aims to combine strong academic provision with an active campus community to prepare graduates for global careers.

Embark on a cutting‑edge PhD at Loughborough University that tackles one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: scalable green hydrogen production. Over three years, you’ll explore how renewable electricity can power electrolysis, turning water into a clean energy carrier that fuels fuel‑cell vehicles and stores surplus power. The programme blends environmental ambition with practical engineering, positioning you at the forefront of the transition to a net‑zero future.

The core of the research revolves around multiscale modelling of electrolysers. You will construct detailed simulations that capture everything from catalyst chemistry at the molecular level to heat and fluid flow across entire stacks. By integrating molecular dynamics, finite‑element, and lattice‑Boltzmann methods, you’ll generate high‑fidelity virtual prototypes. Machine‑learning tools will then transform these complex datasets into rapid surrogate models, enabling you to optimise performance, efficiency, and durability across a range of renewable feedstocks and operating conditions.

Beyond technical expertise, the doctorate offers a vibrant interdisciplinary community and access to world‑class labs in the UK’s renowned research hub. You will collaborate with experts in materials science, chemical engineering, and data analytics, while honing skills in scientific communication and project management. Graduates emerge as leaders ready to drive innovation in hydrogen technologies, whether in academia, industry, or policy‑making bodies shaping the energy landscape.