Skip to main content
School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. PhD/Research
  3. China Scholarship Council Project
  4. Next-generation Sustainable Functional Materials

Next-generation Sustainable Functional Materials

Research Group: Chemistry
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 Years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

  • Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

    • Available to Chinese applicants only.
    • Applicant required to start in September 2026.
    • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

The research group of Dr. Yao Lu at Queen Mary University of London is seeking outstanding and motivated PhD candidates to develop next-generation sustainable functional materials. Our work is dedicated to solving pressing global environmental challenges.

We offer a unique, student-centred research environment. You will have the opportunity to develop a PhD project that aligns with your specific research interests within our broad areas of expertise, including:

  • Multi-functional self-cleaning coatings
  • Carbon fibre reinforced composites
  • Bio-inspired soft actuators and robotics

Our research is published in leading international journals. For examples of our recent work, please see:

  • Y. Lu et al., Science 2015, 347, 1132–1135. (Robust self-cleaning surfaces)
  • J. Li et al., Energy Environ. Sci. 2025, 18, 5632-5642. (Biomass-derived additives for perovskite solar cells)
  • L. Sun et al., Adv. Funct. Mater. 2024, 34, 2311398. (Multi-stimuli-responsive soft actuators)

If you are passionate about innovation for a sustainable future, please contact Dr. Yao Lu directly at yao.lu@qmul.ac.uk to discuss your interests and potential projects.

Learn more about our group: https://yaolulab.com/

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Chemistry programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 28th of January 2026

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Dr Yao Lu

Email: yao.lu@qmul.ac.uk

Requirements

We welcome applicants with a strong background in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field.

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) and MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent).
  • You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all other categories.  English certificate will be required at application stage.

 

SPCS Academics: Dr Yao Lu

Back to top