PhD Research Studentships
Advanced manufacturing of ‘Beyond-Li’ batteries
| Supervisor: | Maria CRESPO-RIBADENEYRA |
| Apply by: | 31 March 2023 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Batteries have been regarded as non-dynamic systems due to the complexity of requirements that each component must individually satisfy to achieve competitive performance. State-of-the-art figures of merit are superb for each separated component: anode/cathode materials with extremely high capacity and energy density, superconductive ceramic solid electrolytes or a myriad of new chemistries have been explored. Nonetheless, the integration of these components into high-energy-density, high cycling efficiency, low-cost and sustainable rechargeable batteries is still elusive.
Through this project we aim at integrating Li/Na-ion electrodes with composite electrolytes (e.g. ceramic-polymer) through easy-to-scale advanced manufacturing methodologies that enable tailoring the microstructure of electrodes, both on the nano- and micro-meter scale. The impact of such microstructural features will be assessed both electrochemically and mechanically, aiming to stablish model systems able to describe the observations. Through the solid collaboration between Dr. Crespo (QMUL, PI), Dr. Dr Xuekun Lu (QMUL) and Prof. Titirici (Imperial College London), this project aims to contribute to the circularity of future battery designs, improving the lifecycle and recyclability at the device level, while also avoiding critical active materials for cathodes/anodes and utilising aqueous-based biopolymers and low-cost ceramic conductors for composite electrolytes.
We welcome applications from candidates for Autumn 2023 entry. Ideally, you will hold, or be expected to achieve, a Master’s degree or a 4 year undergraduate degree at 2:1 level (or above) in a relevant subject, e.g. Material Science, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical Engineering.
About the group
Our research group values diversity in all forms and working towards increasing the representation of minorities in STEM careers. We are committed to spread respect and dignity across the society, starting from our lab, regardless race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, age or nationality. Diversity for us is a synonym for innovation and we stand by those who are willing to take action where there is discrimination.
Funding
Funded by: EPSRCThis EPSRC DTP studentship is fully funded and includes a 3.5 years stipend (set at £19,668 for 2022/23) and fees at the home level.
Overseas applicant are encouraged to apply, but note that UKRI limit the proportion of international students appointed each year to 30% of the total.
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 September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Maria CRESPO-RIBADENEYRA.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-508" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Chemistry - Other, Polymer Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Energy Technologies, Engineering - Other, Manufacturing, Ceramics, Materials Science - Other, Polymers, Mathematics - Other |