About the project
This project will develop an integrated membrane electrochemical system (MES) that enables efficient lithium recovery and CO₂ capture. By combining innovative membrane material design with advanced electrochemical engineering, the research aims to deliver a transformative technology for sustainable resource recovery and carbon management, supporting the global drive toward net-zero emissions.
The global transition toward net-zero emissions and sustainable resource use demands innovative technologies to address pressing environmental challenges. Two key priorities in this effort are lithium recovery and carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture. Lithium is critical for battery technologies driving the clean energy transition, while effective CO₂ mitigation is essential for combating climate change. This project aims to develop an integrated membrane electrochemical system (MES) for efficient lithium separation and CO₂ capture, offering a transformative approach to resource recovery and carbon management.
The research will initially focus on developing next-generation membrane materials tailored for selective ion transport in electrochemical systems. Porous organic frameworks and perovskite-based materials will be explored for the fabrication of lithium-selective membranes with enhanced selectivity, conductivity, and stability. These membranes will be implemented in MES configurations designed for lithium extraction from complex sources such as seawater and brines. Beyond materials development, the project will optimize electrochemical cell design and process integration to enable simultaneous lithium recovery and CO₂ sequestration. The approach aims to harness in situ electrochemical reactions for CO₂ capture, thereby enhancing process circularity and energy efficiency.
You'll join an interdisciplinary research environment, collaborating with academic and industrial partners to design and develop innovative MES technologies that advance sustainable resource utilization and carbon-neutral industrial processes.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
