People

Robert Steinberger-WilckensProfessor Robert Steinberger-Wilckens
Head of Centre for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research and Head of SOFC
Dr Neil ReesDr Neil V Rees
Senior Lecturer / Assoc Prof
Shangfeng DuDr Shangfeng Du
Senior Lecturer
Manager of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Fuel Cells and their Fuels
Research Fellow
Associate Professor in Hydrogen/Hydrogen-Based Energy Technology
Research Fellow
Post-doctoral researcher,
The Rees Group
Kun ZhangDr Kun Zhang
Research Fellow
Dr Mingshui Yao
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow
Marie Currie Fellow

Dr Milon MiahDr Milon Miah
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Researcher

 

Photograph of Dr Bernardo SarrufDr Bernardo Sarruf
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow

Visiting Scholars

Scholars currently visiting the Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research

Professor Li Dai
Visiting Professor from Harbin University of Science and Technology

Professor Kenji Miyatake

Taegyu Park

Dr Liang Xu (Research Fellow)

Doctoral Researchers

List of current doctoral researchers and their research topics in alphabetical order by surname.

Recep Akdeniz
(2019-2023).  Production and characterisation of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Alwani Algaddafi
(2019-2023). Development of a portable fuel cell device as an APU system for heavy duty vehicles or power supply for portable applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of  Birmingham.

Laura Allerston
(2014-2020). Applied and fundamental understanding of novel non platinum fuel cell catalysts in collaboration with Amalyst. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Eridei Amakiri
(2014-2020). Coupling of a solid oxide fuel cell exhaust with a vapour absorption refrigeration system: modelling and experimental investigation. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Irving Annan
(2017-2021). High temperature electrolysis by reversing the function of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Liam Cooper
(2017-2022). Coating materials for bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Rhiannon Dixon
(
2016-2021). Investigating the use of noval dopants for SOFC anodes to improve tolerances to sulfur and carbon. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Sam Eadley
(2016-2021). Optimisation of conditions and material properties to maximise the efficiency of interface ion exchange within polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Oliver Fernihough
(2016-2021). Ccm's (catalyst coated membranes) with textured membranes and stack development. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Elok Fidiani
(2016-2020). AgPt-based NWs electrode for fuel cell applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Christopher Harrison
(
2017-2022). Material performance of hydrogen fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Ruba Hendi
(2017-2021). Processing and characterisation of novel self-assembled heterocatalysts. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Oujen Hodjati-Pugh
(2015-2020). 3D Multiphysics modelling and experimental validation of microtubular solid oxide fuel stacks with novel interconnection. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

A Hye
(2018-2023). Low and high temperature fuel cell system integration to electric vehicles. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Ahmed Ibrahim
(2017-2022). Testing filler materials within membranes of an intermediate temperature fuel cell. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Zeyu Jiang
(2019-2023). Hydrogen and fuel cell research in SOFC. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Naseruddin Khan
(2017-2022). Zero-emission energy cycle through fuel cell hybrid vehicles with efficient energy storage system applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Yang Li
(2019-2023). Aligned Pd-based nanowire electrodes for direct formic acid fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham

Kazeem Mohammed 
(2019-2023). Integrating SOFC-based power plant with SOE, methanation reactor and MCFC for CO2 capture. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

William Ndifuna
(2019-2024). De-carbonising cooking applicances. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Abiola Oladeji
(2018-2023). Developing New Catalysts. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Osaze Omoregbe
(2019-2023). Catalysis. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Melissa Oum
(2015-2020). Modelling microstructural and chemical degradation of protective coatings for SOFC interconnects. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Bhargav Pandya
(2018-2022). Coupling exhaust heat from a fuel cell to a cooling device. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Pushpa Patel
(2018-2023). Evaluation of the effect of proton exchange membrane fuel cell nanocatalysts on membrane proteins. Doctoral dissertaiton, University of Birmingham.

Marco Pignataro
(2018-2023). Phase change materials based emulsions for thermal management applications. Doctoral disseration, University of Birmingham.

Hal Robbs
(2013-2020). Research into PEMFC catalysts. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Beatrice Sampson
(2016-2021). The added value of hydrogen and fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Abubakr Siddiq
(2018-2023). Novel electrode materials for proton conducting ceramic electrolysers. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Abigail Snowdon
(2017-2022). Optimising reversible solid oxide fuel cells (rSOC) to reduce deggradation during methane-assisted co-electrolysis. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Samuel Sogbesan
(2018-2023) Turning hydrogen into transoprt fuels. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Alan Stephen 
(2015-2020). R. sphaeroides for biohydrogen production and fuel cell catalysts. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Marcus Taylor
(2018-2024). Developing SOFC systems. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

James Walker
(2014-2020). Investigation of binary and ternary catalysts to create low-cost, high performance electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University. 

Yichang Yan
(2019-2023). One-atom thick N-doped graphene modified polymer electrolyte membrane with aligned nanowire electrodes for direct alcohol fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

MRes Researchers

List of MRes researchers and their research topics in alphabetical order by surname.

Athanasios Tzevelekakis
(2017-2020). Metal based gas difussion layers (GDLs) for IT-PEMFC (intermidiate polymere fuel cells). MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Dominik Richter
(2019-2021). Rolling out an HRS infrastructure to the UK. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Alumni

List of alumni from The Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research in alphabetical order by surname.

Mr Sotiris Alexandrou
(2014-2015). Use of biogas on solid oxide fuel cells. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Naser Al-Mufachi 
Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
(2010-2014). Effects of palladium thin films on the hydrogen permeability of PD-CU alloy membranes. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Ghzzai Almutairi
(2009-2012). Liquid hydrocarbons in SOFCs, hydrogen fuel cells, colloids and delivery of molecules to the consumer. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Yousif Al-Sagheer
(2013-2016). Fuel cells and hydrogen for balance renewable energy fluctuations. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Sophie Archer
(2013-2018). Life cycles analysis of biomass derived fuels for fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Nor Arifin
(2014-2018). Developing sustrates for SOFC cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Caroline Blackmore
(2012-2016). Photocatalytic (solar) production of H2 with size-selected, tunable nanocatalysts. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Carolina Branco
(2013-2017). Composite electrolyte membranes for electrochemical energy conversion in polymer fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Ms Rosie Bullock
(2010-2014). PG Cert. University of Birmingham. 

Dr Henry Burch
Development Scientist, Amalyst Ltd
(2012-2016). Photochemical hydrogen production using new and developed materials to produce a prototype PEC anode. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Amrit Chandan
Technical Specialist, Aceleron
(2010-2014). High temperature PEMFC stacks for vehicles, improving start-up time and lifetime. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr James Courtney
Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
(2010-2014). Characterizing the redox active species within liquid catholyte proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Martin Cuddy
Photocathode Development Engineer, Photek (Hastings)
(2009-2013). Size-selected MOS2 clusters for hydrogen evolution. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Oliver Curnick
Research Quality Engineer, jaguar Landrover
(2008-2011). Ionomer-stabilised Pt and Pt-Ti bimetallic electrocatalysts for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Rosalind Davies
Editorial Assistant, Taylor & Francis Group

(2011-2015). Light metal hydrides for hydrogen storage materials. Doctoral thesis, University of Birmingham.

Mr John Drake
(2009-2013). Modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in matlab and comsol. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Mr Peter Fisher
(2009-2015). Electronics control aspects of fuel cell applications within hybrid systems (hydrogen store, battery, fuel cell, elecric motor drive, plus BoP). MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Miguel Angel Molina Garcia
(2013-2017). Non-precious-metal catalysts for alkaline polymeric membrane fuel cells (APMFC). Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Mr Balraj Ghataore
(2010-2011). Automotive application of integrated PEMFC battery system for power and freezing. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Mr Jonathan Goh
Doctoral Researcher at HySA Systems Competence Centre
(2011-2014). Novel electrocatalyst supports for PEMFC. MRes dissertation, University of Brimingham.

Dr Gaurav Gupta
Research Fellow, University of Newcastle
(2010-2013). Bimetallic platinum-chromium nanoparticles as electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFCs). Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Dr Philip Hamilton
Business Engagement Manager, University of Birmingham
(2009-2012). The development of PVD coatings for proton exchange membrane fuel cell bipolar plates. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Scott Hardman
Researcher (Plug-in Hybrid and Electricle Vehicle Research Centre) UC Davis
(2012-2016). Niche market applications and the marketing of hydrogen and fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Mariska Hattenberger
Research Fellow, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
(2011-2014). Survey of existing membranes including new membrane development and testing for IT and HT PEMFCs. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Katie Howe
Patent Attorney
(2009-2013). Design improvement of micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells for unmanned aircraft applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Aimee Jackson
(2014-2019). Maganese oxide-graphene oxide hybrid support systems for DMFC (and PEMFC) applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Paul Jennings
Research Fellow (Development of search techniques and their application for electrocatalytic problems), Stanford University
(2009-2013). Computational studies of mono and bimetallic nanoclusters for potential polymer electrolyte fuel cell applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Zeyu Jiang
(2017-2018). Carbon-tolerance SOFC anode manufacturing, testing with biogas. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Martin Khzouz
Lecturer in Automotive Systems, Coventry University
(2010-2013). The development and characterisation of Ni-Cu/AI203 catalyst for hydrogen production via multi fuel reforming. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Yaxiang Lu
Research Assistant, University of Surrey
(2012-2015). Advanced nanoparticles for fuel cell application. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Daniel Escalera Lopez
(2014-2018). Nanostructuring transition metal dichalcogenides for the hydrogen EvolutionReaction. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Peter Mardle
(2015-2020). An investigation of in-situ grown NiPt nanowires for PEFC applications. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Nikkia McDonald
(2011-2016). SOFC Materials. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Lois Milner-Elkharouf
(2014-2018). High temperature gas characterisation applied for catalyst development and to provide on-board diagnostics for fuel cells operating on reformed methane.

Mr Haroon Momand
(2010-2013). The effect of ultrasound on nafion polymer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Jill Newton
(2009-2013). Nanoparticle catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. A study of surfactant effects on dispersion and catalysis. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Sathish Pandiyan
(2015-2019). Protective coating for SOFC interconnects via inkjet coating. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Tom Pike
Project Officer in Energy Innovation and Collaboration, University of Nottingham
(2009-2013). Development and processing of novel solid oxide fuel cell materials. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Mrs Rachel Priestley
(2011-2015) Hybrid precious metal-carbon (nano) structures for novel electrocatalysts. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Jamie Sandells
Analyst, Deutsche Bank Global Markets
(2009-2013). Mathematical modelling of planar solid oxide fuel cells. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Jonathan Sands
Lecturer in Fuel Cells, University of Bangkok
(2010-2014). Mathematical modelling of oscillatory behaviour in methane powered SOFCs. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Anwar Sattar
Research Engineer, Axion Recycling
(2010-2014). Syngas production from biochar followed by purification for SOFC use. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham. 

Dr Nathan Jin Lei Shang
Research Fellow, Coventry University
(2009-2012). The role of hydrogen and fuel cells for ultra low carbon vehicles. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Daniel Symes
Business Development, Nottingham Trent University
(2010-2014). Development of on-demand low temperature electrolysers and their systems. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Gareth Thomas
Research Fellow, University of Birmingham
(2010-2014). The political economy of hydrogen energy; mapping discourse and action. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Lina Troskialina
(2009-2012). Microtubular SOFC operating on bio methane. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Tsang-I Tsai
Research Engineer, Intelligent Energy
(2009-2015). Development of a control system for the solid oxide fuel cell stack with combined heat and power systems. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr James Watton
Research Engineer, Intelligent Energy
(2010-2016). Solid oxide electrolysers for lower cost hydrogen production through steam electrolysis. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Anna Williams
(2010-2014). Catalysis: reducing platinum loading using micro-organism based platinum nano-particles for PEMFCs. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Mr Salman Zadeh
Process Engineer, Persian Kimya Chlorine Production Complex
(2010-2011). Sonoelectrochemical production of hydrogen through electrolysis. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Dr Kun Zhang
(2016-2020). Development of cost effective manufacturing technologies for key components of fuel sell micro combined heat and power (CHP) system. Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham.
(2014-2015). Development of metal-polymer conjugate coatings for stainless steel bipolar plates in PEMFC. MRes dissertation, University of Birmingham.

Ms Fatima Zia
(2012-2016). PG Diploma in Fuel Cells.

Former Research Fellows

Former research fellows who have worked at The Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research in alphabetical order by surname.

Dr Naser Al-Mufachi, Research Fellow
Dr Pramod BL Chaurasia, Marie-Curie Research Fellow
Dr Aman Dhir, Teaching Fellow
Dr Maria Galvez, Research Fellow
Dr Ramayian Kannan, Marie-Curie Research Fellow
Dr Iain Staffell, Research Fellow
Dr Andreas Tsoligas, Research Fellow
Dr Surbhi Sharma, Teaching Fellow
Dr Bostjan Hari, Research Fellow
Dr Tsang-I Tsai, Research Fellow
Dr Lina Troskialina, Research Fellow
Dr Huixin Zhang, Marie-Curie Research Fellow

Former Academic Visitors

Former academic visitors to the Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research in alphabetical order by surname.

Dr María García Camprubí
Dr Jong-Eun Hong
Professor Majid Ghassemi
Professor Subu Lee
Dr Dustin McLarty
Dr Ghazai Razeghi