PhD Scholarship - Advancing proton conductors

Who it is for

• Advancing proton conductors for High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Applications will close on Friday, 27 February 2026 Supporting a PhD candidate to develop and test PFAS-free, high-temperature proton-conducting polymers for next-generation hydrogen fuel cells.
• Key details Project supervisor Dr Faezeh Makhlooghiazad Deakin school and faculty Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Built Environment Institute of Frontier Materials Additional supervisors Dr Nino MalicAssociate Professor Michael Pereira Location Burwood Campus Value and duration This scholarship is available over three years and offers:
• a stipend of $37,450 per annum tax exempt Research aim This PhD project aims to design, synthesise, and evaluate PFAS-free, high-temperature proton-conducting polymers for use as both membrane materials and electrode binders in hydrogen fuel cell systems.
• The student will:Synthesise novel polymer architectures in collaboration with CSIRO,Fabricate and characterise membranes to determine structure-property-proton-transport relationships, using advanced characterisation techniques available at Deakin University.Identify the fundamental proton conduction mechanism under anhydrous,
• elevated-temperature conditions using spectroscopy techniques such as NMR and RamanAssess membrane and binder performance in fuel-cell-relevant environments using Hycel testing facilities.The ultimate goal is to deliver a new class of environmentally safe, thermally robust, and electrochemic ||| Am I eligible?
• To be eligible you must:meet Deakin's PhD entry requirementsenrol full timehold an honour's degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research componentbe an international student.Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
• Ready to apply?
• Please email your CV, academic transcript and example of written work, such as journal article, report or student assignment, to Dr Faezeh Makhlooghiazad.
• Your CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience.
• If successful, you will be invited to submit a formal application.
• Email Dr Faezeh Makhlooghiazad Research degree entry requirements Set yourself up for success.
• Each type of Deakin research degree has specific entry requirements designed to ensure that graduate researchers are well prepared for the challenges of advanced study.
• Learn more Contact us If you would like more information or have any questions about this scholarship, please contact the project supervisors.Dr Faezeh MakhlooghiazadEmail: f.makhlooghiazad@deakin.edu.auPh:
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