PhD Research Studentships

Robust and Cost Effective PEMFC Stack for Telecom (ROBACOP)

Supervisor:	e.bilotti@qmul.ac.uk,t.peijs@qmul.ac.uk,
Apply by:	30 June 2013

Description

ROBACOP is an EU project aiming at improving existing fuel cell and stack technology in order to fulfil the needs of the emerging backup Telecom market. ROBACOP brings together three leading European fuel cell manufacturers, with state-of-the art technological now-how on existing fuel cells, and two universities (including QMUL), to provide a more fundamental understanding. Within the consortium, QMUL will focus in particular on the development of novel materials for fuel cells separation plates. Cell plates have to fulfil numerous functions in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which can have a dramatic impact on the overall performance. Among the principal functions, cell plates need to [1,2]: a) Separate gases between cells; b) Provide electrical conductive medium between the anode and cathode c) Provide flow field channels for even distribution of the reaction gases d) Provide a solid structure for the stack e) Facilitate water and heat management Fulfilling all the functions mentioned above requires a challenging combination of materials properties like low gas permeability, high electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion and thermal resistance and mechanical robustness. Moreover cell plates need to be light weight and inexpensive. In fact it can be approximately estimated that cell plates constitute more than 60% of the weight and 10% of the total cost of a PEMFC [3]. The most common materials currently used in cell plates are: metal foils, graphite (natural, expanded, electro-graphite). Conductive polymer composites (CPC) promise to offer the best compromise of properties, processability and costs. For this reason, current research is predominantly focused on this class of materials for cell plates. The PhD candidate at QMUL will systematically study the effect of different conductive (nano -)particles and synergistic combinations of (nano-)particles in several thermoplastic polymers particularly high temperature polymers like PES, PPS, PEI, PEEK, PFTE, etc. The use of high aspect ratio conductive nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene nanoplatelets over more traditional fillers such as expanded graphite, carbon black or carbon fibres is their lower percolation threshold. CNT or graphene technologies use lower loading to reach a given surface resistivity and have good electrical conductivity compared to traditional carbon based fillers [4,5]. References: [1] Hamilton, P.J., Pollet, G. Fuel Cells. 2010, 4, 489-509; [2] Adrianowycz, O. L. DoE Publication Table 3.4.14, Dayton, Ohio, US, 2007. [3] Hamilton, P.J., Pollet, G. Fuel Cells. 2010, 4, 489-509 [3] R. Zhang, A. Dawden, H. Deng, M. Baxendale and T. Peijs, Compos. Sci. Technol., 2009, 69(10), 1499 [4] E. Bilotti, R. Zhang, H. Deng, M. Baxendale and T. Peijs, Journal of Materials Chemistry, 2010, 20, 9449-9494 Research Studentship Details • Available to Home/EU Applicants • Full Time research degree programme only • Applicants will be required to start the degree programme in September 2013. • The studentship arrangement will cover tuition fees and provide an annual stipend (£15,590 in 2012/13) for up to three years. • 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. • Students must be able to demonstrate “a capability to undertake and benefit from research training through to completion, to the standard necessary to qualify for a PhD.” • Some compulsory teaching responsibilities will be required. • 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 5.5 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking). Contact Details: For informal enquiries about this position, please contact: Dr. Emiliano Bilotti, E-mail: e.bilotti@qmul.ac.uk Prof. Ton Peijs, E-mail: t.peijs@qmul.ac.uk Application Method: To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Materials Science programme (Full Time, Semester 1 start) please follow the instructions detailed in section 3 of the following webpage: http://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/research/howtoapply/ During the online application process you will be asked to provide details of any funding you are applying for, please be sure to include a reference to ‘2013 SEMS ROBACOP EB’ to associate your application with this studentship opportunity. For general enquires in regards to the application process then please email the School’s Research Administrator, Mr Jonathon Hills on j.hills@qmul.ac.uk

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 minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
Candidates are expected to start in (Semester ).

Contact

For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact e.bilotti@qmul.ac.uk,t.peijs@qmul.ac.uk,.