2026 Deakin University Advancing Proton Conductors Scholarship

This PhD project aims to design, synthesise, and evaluate PFAS-free, high-temperature proton-conducting polymers for use as both membrane materials and electrode binders in hydrogen fuel cell systems. The student will:

• Synthesise novel polymer architectures in collaboration with CSIRO,
• Fabricate and characterise membranes to determine structure–property–proton-transport relationships, using advanced characterisation techniques available at Deakin University.
• Identify the fundamental proton conduction mechanism under anhydrous, elevated-temperature conditions using spectroscopy techniques such as NMR and Raman
• Assess membrane and binder performance in fuel-cell-relevant environments using Hycel testing facilities.

The ultimate goal is to deliver a new class of environmentally safe, thermally robust, and electrochemically efficient materials for next-generation hydrogen technologies.

Background information

Hydrogen technologies, such as fuel cells, electrolysers, and emerging proton-based energy systems require proton-conducting membranes and catalyst-layer binders that are thermally stable, durable, and capable of operating without humidification. Current commercial membranes are based on perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) polymers, which suffer from limited high-temperature performance, water-dependence, and increasing regulatory pressure due to environmental persistence. To enable next-generation hydrogen systems operating at intermediate-to-high temperatures, new PFAS-free polymers with high proton conductivity and excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical stability are urgently needed. This PhD project is part of a joint research program between CSIRO, Hycel Technology Hub (Deakin University), and Institute for Frontier Materials (Deakin University), combining national capability in polymer design, membrane engineering, and hydrogen system testing. The project will span the full innovation pipeline:

• Polymer design and synthesis in collaboration with CSIRO to create new anhydrous proton-conducting polymers.
• Membrane development and advanced characterisation at Deakin to uncover the mechanisms of proton transport in these novel materials.
• Application studies using Hycel facilities evaluating the polymers as membranes and as proton-conducting binders in cathode catalyst layers.

This industry-aligned, interdisciplinary project addresses a critical materials gap in Australia’s hydrogen technology strategy.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 12, 2026
• Value$37,450 per annum tax exempt
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorDeakin University
• City to studyVictoria
• School to studyDeakin University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

This scholarship is available over three years and offers:

• a stipend of $37,450 per annum tax exempt

Requirements

To be eligible you must:

• meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
• enrol full time
• hold an honour's degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component
• be an international student.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kindly visit Deakin University scholarship webpage.