PhD Research Studentships

Carbon-based Sodium-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor

Supervisor:
Apply by:30 November 2017

Description

This project aims to fabricate hybrid Na ion capacitors which will be flexible   mechanically stable and will possess exceptional energy–power characteristics. Both the anode and the cathode will be based on porous carbon materials derived from biomass precursors. The project will involve the synthesis and characterisation of porous carbons, their electrochemical characterisation in a two and three electrode configuration using cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge and impedance spectroscopy along with their assembly into devices using solid (gel-like) ionic conductors.

The carbon materials will be designed with high surface area, a disordered structure to promote binding of Na as well as hierarchically micro–meso–macro pores, allowing facile ion transport at high rates both through the pore-filling electrolyte and in the solid-state. A particular emphasis will be put on the fundamental understanding on how the electrode’s parameters (microstructure, porosity, thickness, conductivity) will influence their electrochemical performance which will be done by using in operando characterisation tools such as Raman, XPS, Neutron Scattering, etc.

QMUL Research Studentship Details

  • Available to Home/EU Applicants only.
  • Full Time programme only
  • Applicant required to start in January 2018
  • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to three years (Currently set as £16,553 in 2017/18). 
  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language then you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Please note that this studentship is only available to Home/EU Applicants. (See: http://www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details) 

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Magdalena Titirici

Tel: +44(0)20 7888 6272

E-mail: m.m.titirici@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

Materials Science programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html

Further Guidance available via: http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/

Please be sure to include a reference to ‘2017 SEMS Magda Titirici ’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity. 

Eligibility

  • The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
  • If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking).
  • Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).
  • SEMS and Principal-funded studentships: this studentship arrangement covers home tuition fees and provides an annual stipend for up to three years (currently set at the 2023/24 stipend rate of £20,622 pa)
  • Note that Queen Mary Research Studentships cover home-rated tuition fees only (See: www.welfare.qmul.ac.uk/money/feestatus/ for details)
  • Overseas applicants would be required to meet the difference between home and international tuition fees

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact .

Related website:http://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/materials.html