PhD in Manufacturing and Materials - Functional Materials and Chemistry

Coventry University

Research within this theme focuses on understanding how functionalising materials, via chemical and physical coating, surface modification processes and polymer technologies, can create advanced materials with properties that address major scientific and societal challenges. This includes:The development of a printable, non-precious metal catalyst that can enable the selective metallisation of a range of non-conductive materials. This has been utilised to produce e-textiles with applications in smart clothing.The preparation of electrocatalysts for the oxidation of ammonia coupled with the production of green hydrogen.The development of electrodeposited composite coatings to eliminate lead from engine bearings.The optimisation of electrowinning processes for metal recovery from bioleachates.The design and production of multi-layer PVD coatings to create antibacterial materials.Expertise in printing of materials on a range of substratesThe development of surface modification processes for additively manufactured components.Investigations into novel sustainable polymer materials and flame retardantsDevelopment of more sustainable electroless and electroplating processes and associated pre-treatmentsThe utilisation of ultrasound/sonochemistry to enhance chemical and electrochemical processes and reduce their environmental impact.