Advanced Materials and Electrochemical Engineering

Through their research on thermal runaway and thermal propagation in large lithium-ion battery systems, the NU team has worked to improve awareness of battery hazards. This research was carried out under the Faraday Institution–funded ReLiB and Safebatt projects.

A key goal of this work is to inform first responders about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, helping them respond more safely to incidents and reduce the risk of injury.

The team actively supports first responders both in the UK and internationally by providing presentations, guidance, and ad-hoc advice during battery-related incidents.

Team members also contribute to major government committees and BSI working groups focused on lithium-ion battery safety.

Their work has received several national and international awards, recognising their outstanding efforts to communicate battery safety research to:

• the scientific community

• first responders

• policymakers

• the general public

For potential PhD opportunities in battery safety, please contact:

• Prof. Emeritus Paul Christensen – paul.christensen@newcastle.ac.uk

• Dr Wojciech Mrozik, Faraday Institution Senior Research Fellow – wojciech.mrozik@newcastle.ac.uk

Our research aims to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions from the land, agricultural, and industrial sectors, which together account for over 80% of global emissions.

We focus on converting biomass waste into value-added products that support clean energy and environmental sustainability. A key area of our work is biochar production and application. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass in low-oxygen conditions.

The use of biochar can improve soil health, water quality, and carbon storage, while supporting food, energy, and water security. This makes it a powerful tool for creating positive impacts for both people and the planet.

Our research contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

The work is interdisciplinary, combining expertise from:

• engineering

• materials science

• environmental science

• chemistry

We collaborate with academics, NGOs, industry partners, and policymakers to ensure our research leads to real-world impact.

Committed to climate and social justice, we also engage in practice-based research and teaching. This involves working alongside climate scientists, filmmakers, activists, NGOs, and educators to expand the reach and impact of sustainable technologies and inclusive solutions.

For potential PhD opportunities, please contact:

Dr Anjali Yayakumar anjali.yayakumar@newcastle.ac.uk

The polymer science research led by Professor Katarina Novakovic addresses key challenges in sustainability, health, food, and the environment.

A major focus of the group’s work is on biopolymers, particularly polysaccharides and proteins. These materials are sourced from renewable biomass and used to develop biodegradable and biocompatible “green” materials. The team also studies the functional properties of polysaccharides for food applications.

The research aims to create unique polymer structures at different scales, including molecular, nanoscale, and macroscale. By controlling structure at these levels, the group can design high-performance polymer materials and composites. The research also considers end-of-life strategies for materials, with a focus on reducing and managing plastic waste.

Professor Novakovic’s research in organic oscillatory chemical reactions is world-leading. Particularly in oscillatory carbonylation reactions. The team has identified alternative substrates, solvents, and catalysts for these systems. While these components are typically small molecules, the group has successfully produced them using polymers. This improves biocompatibility and enables the development of oscillatory materials.

Another key research area is hydrogels. This includes the development of biocompatible smart hydrogels for controlled cargo delivery, as well as bioglass–hydrogel composites for bone regeneration. The group has extensive expertise in tailoring materials for specific biomedical applications. This includes drug delivery and tissue engineering.

For PhD opportunities, please contact Professor Katarina Novakovic at Katarina.Novakovic@newcastle.ac.uk

Research led by Dr Jake McClements focuses on developing next-generation biosensors to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of health conditions. This includes neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.

A key aim of this work is to enable diagnostic testing outside traditional clinical settings, allowing individuals to monitor their health within the community or at home. To support this, the team designs biosensors that are low-cost, portable, rapid, and easy to use.

A central part of the research is the development of synthetic recognition elements called molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). These materials act as a robust and cost-effective alternative to antibodies in diagnostic devices. MIPs are also environmentally stable, making them well suited for practical sensing applications.

The team synthesises MIPs using a range of methods and integrates them into sensor platforms that use different detection approaches, including:

• Electrochemical detection

• Thermal detection

• Optical detection

This work uses advanced analytical techniques. Such as surface plasmon resonance, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, and light scattering. The techniques characterise and optimise the sensors.

The group is also exploring other next-generation recognition elements, including aptamers and nanobodies. These are being incorporated into portable electrochemical sensors for a variety of diagnostic applications.

The long-term goal is to develop non-invasive, point-of-care technologies capable of detecting and monitoring multiple health conditions at the same time.

For PhD opportunities, please contact Dr Jake McClements at Jake.McClements@newcastle.ac.uk.

Dr Alasdair Charles is working in the areas of:

• environment assisted cracking
• hydrogen transport / storage
• high temperature corrosion

This research supports pipeline and power generation technologies.

Corrosion projects on surgical hip implant wear and archaeological artefact oxidation are also on-going.

The research is supported with electron microscopy and EDX elemental analysis of failed components and artefacts.

For potential PhD opportunities in corrosion research, please contact Dr Alasdair Charles, Alasdair.Charles@newcastle.ac.uk.

Dr Shayan Seyedin research activities are on smart materials manufacturing. Research focuses on creating sustainable solutions for energy, healthcare, and wearable applications.

He is reimagining wearable technology through innovation in materials design and fabrication. This involves designing processes to develop novel materials that are electroactive. The main focus is on the development of MXenes, a family of two-dimensional nanoscale materials.

His work has dicovered a new generation of smart wearable devices that track the wearer’s health and physical activities. He has developed new biosensors that detect various biomarkers. These provide real-time health monitoring and help manage diseases. The goal is to improve the quality of life by advancing the state of the art in health monitoring, diagnostics, and technology integration.

His work has also made pioneering advances in the development of novel electrode materials. These electrode materials are processed into green, safe, and high-performance energy storage systems. The goal is to meet increased global energy needs and reduce the environmental impacts of fossil fuel.

Research has three key themes:

1. Engineering smart materials across scales
2. Integrating functions through advanced manufacturing
3. Enabling human interconnectivity through digital data

For potential PhD opportunities in this area, please contact Dr Shayan Seyedin  (shayan.seyedin@newcastle.ac.uk).

Our research focuses on the full range of electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. This includes hydrogen production and utilisation in electrolysers—such as PEM, AEM, alkaline, and membraneless systems. As well as fuel cells operating at both low and high temperatures.

We also investigate a variety of energy storage technologies, including:

• Lithium-ion batteries

• Sodium–air batteries

• Molten salt batteries

• Redox flow batteries

Using advanced catalyst, membrane, and electrode fabrication techniques, together with detailed characterisation and simulation methods, the group works to understand the fundamental principles that govern electrochemical devices. This knowledge is then used to design and improve the performance, efficiency, and durability of these technologies.

Our team brings together world-class, multicultural researchers with diverse expertise. They work collaboratively to develop innovative solutions for the electrochemical energy sector.

Recent Innovations

Key recent developments from the group include:

• Electrolyser Floating Offshore Simulator. A testing platform that evaluates electrolyser systems on moving offshore structures, with loads coupled to real-world environmental conditions. Custom LabVIEW software enables real-time control and monitoring of sensors and actuators. (Ocean REFuel project – Workstream 2)

• Membraneless Electrolyser. Development of a scalable alkaline electrolyser configuration capable of bubble separation without a diaphragm separator. (Patent application under review)

• Porous Microstructure Generator. A free software tool with a graphical user interface that enables the generation of 3D digital porous materials for research and modelling. (Over 18,000 views and 6,500 downloads)

• Offshore Electrolyser Integration Studies. Two review papers examining the challenges of integrating fluctuating renewable power sources with electrolysers. In particular, in offshore energy systems.

• Novel Catalyst Development. Creation of a library of new ligands for catalyst design and enhancement of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance of platinum catalysts using surface amine groups. Findings have been presented at national electrochemistry conferences.

• Operando Characterisation Techniques. Application of Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to study electrochemical interfaces. This includes the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) interface and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in batteries.

• Nonlinear Frequency Response Analysis (NFRA). Development of a machine-learning approach using NFRA data to estimate the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries in second-life applications. The method achieved over 98% prediction accuracy, outperforming traditional EIS methods.

• Data-Driven Decision Tools for Second-Life Batteries. Development of a real-time decision-support system to improve reuse and recycling pathways for lithium-ion batteries. Using electrochemical testing data and machine learning, the tool will help stakeholders optimise the recovery and reuse of critical materials from spent batteries.

For PhD opportunities, please contact:

• Professor Mohamed Mamlouk – mohamed.mamlouk@newcastle.ac.uk
• Dr Daniel Niblett – daniel.niblett@newcastle.ac.uk.

Research led by Dr Daniel Niblett focuses on the modelling and simulation of electrochemical devices. This includes electrolysers, fuel cells, and batteries, as well as the fluid dynamics that influence their performance.

The group develops multi-scale computational models to understand how these systems operate. Simulations are carried out across a wide range of length scales, including:

• Catalyst layers (nanometres)

• Porous transport layers (micrometres)

• Flow distribution channels (millimetres)

• Single cells (centimetres)

• Full device stacks (metres)

To achieve this, the research uses and develops a variety of modelling tools, including open-source software such as OpenFOAM, as well as scripted models in MATLAB and Python. The group also develops in-house computational tools, including the Porous Microstructure Generator.

These tools enable researchers to model interfacial multiphase flows (using methods such as the volume-of-fluid approach). As well as ion and charge transport processes in porous materials. Because these modelling approaches are transferable, the research also contributes to areas such as

• composite materials

• porous reactor design

• solid–fluid systems.

Experimental techniques are also used to support and validate the computational models. These include high-speed imaging, additively manufactured porous materials, and X-ray microtomography. The are used to study custom-built fuel cells, electrolysers, and batteries under real operating conditions.

Professor Mohamed Mamlouk and Dr Daniel Niblett jointly lead the Electrochemical Engineering Group. They combine expertise in experimental device fabrication and testing with theoretical and computational modelling.

For PhD opportunities or industry collaboration, please contact:

• Dr Daniel Niblett – EPSRC Open Fellow (daniel.niblett@newcastle.ac.uk)

• Professor Mohamed Mamlouk – Professor of Electrochemical Engineering (mohamed.mamlouk@newcastle.ac.uk)

Professor Mark Geoghegan is a materials scientist specialising in polymer science. His research focuses on areas including

• adhesion
• polymer semiconductors
• polymer diffusion
• polymers and biopolymers at surfaces, and biophysics.

A major area of current research is the development of reversible adhesives. Professor Geoghegan’s group invented the first water-based reversible glue. This adhesive bonds strongly to plastics, which are often difficult materials to glue. It also adheres well to metals, performing as effectively as many other water-based adhesives.

The bond can be reversed and separated when exposed to acidic or alkaline solutions. Certain green solvents can also trigger release. This technology offers significant potential for product repair, reuse, and improved recycling.

The group also studies the adhesive and mechanical properties of elastomers and hydrogels. In particular, their work on hydrogels contributes to the development of bioelectronic scaffolds.

Researchers are currently developing hydrogel-based scaffolds that can function as transducers in polymer electronic devices. This enables new approaches in bioelectronics and biomedical technologies.

Another aspect of the group’s work explores cellular adhesion and related biophysical processes. These studies use advanced imaging techniques, including:

• Scanning force microscopy

• Super-resolution microscopy

These methods allow the team to investigate interactions between biological systems and polymer materials at very small scales.

For PhD opportunities, please contact Professor Mark Geoghegan at mark.geoghegan@newcastle.ac.uk.

Hydrogen represents a clean and sustainable energy source. However, its safe use depends on the reliability of the materials used for the production, transport and storage of hydrogen.

Our main research focuses on designing and developing novel materials for sustainable hydrogen energy.

Computer simulations are used to identify suitable high entropy alloys. They model hydrogen embrittlement and predict hydrogen diffusion and trapping. Several alloys designed by computational methods have been fabricated using vacuum arc melting and PVD coatings. This validates the computer predictions.

for potential PhD opportunities in multiscale materials modelling, please contact Dr Adrian Oila  (Adrian.Oila@newcastle.ac.uk)

Prof. Lidija Siller leads research on energy materials inspired by nature. The work focuses on developing new processes and composite materials, drawing inspiration from insects, shells, and plants. With the aim to improve energy conversion and thermal efficiency. They are also exploring applications in water purification and carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCSU).

Aerogels and Nanomaterials

Aerogels are among the lightest and most porous nanomaterials. We are investigating their use in a wide range of applications, including:

• Thermal insulation
• Electrodes for energy conversion
• Water purification
• Catalyst supports and paints in manufacturing

We also study other nanomaterials for these applications, such as:

• Carbon-based materials: nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene
• Magnetic and semiconducting nanomaterials: silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs), titanium oxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃)
• Metal nitrides: including gold nitride

Dragonfly-inspired aerogels: We discovered that dragonfly wings behave like natural aerogels. Inspired by how dragonfly wings dry, we developed a new method for drying aerogels. This process has been patented and licensed, and we have launched a spin-out company with Newcastle University: Dragonfly Insulation Ltd. A video about this research was produced with Advanced Science News.

Carbon Capture and Storage

To reduce CO₂ emissions, we are developing cost-effective, ready-to-use processes for carbon capture and storage. Our approach uses catalysis to convert CO₂ into stable carbonates, enabling permanent storage at large emission sources such as coal, gas, waste, and desalination plants.

Sea urchin-inspired catalysis: Sea urchins mineralize their skeletons into calcium and magnesium carbonates. Inspired by this, we discovered an inorganic catalyst that speeds up the conversion of CO₂ into carbonic acid—the first step in mineralization.

Because mineralization is naturally slow, we are developing a continuous process that accelerates CO₂ conversion using our catalysts. This helps plants mitigate their carbon footprint to comply with carbon regulations.

If you are interested in joining our group, exploring potential PhD projects, or proposing a research project, please contact Professor Lidija Siller at Lidija.Siller@ncl.ac.uk.