PhD Research Studentships
Rational design of 3D porous structured electrodes for redox flow battery applications
| Supervisor: | Ana JORGE SOBRIDO |
| Apply by: | 30 June 2023 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
The rapid decarbonisation of the global energy systems requires the wholesale replacement of fossil fuels with renewable resources (e.g., wind, solar). However, these resources are intermittent and unpredictable challenging the existing grid infrastructure which is based on the just-in-time dispatchable generation enabled by combustion of fossil fuels. As such, flexible energy management systems are urgently required to enable reliable electricity delivery from renewables. Among them, redox flow batteries (RFBs) are excellent candidates for large-scale, long duration energy storage due to their flexible design and high reliability. Nevertheless, this technology is still in its infancy in terms of optimisation of materials and battery design. This PhD project aims to design 3D structures with tailored porosity using 3D printing and electrospinning techniques to develop optimised electrodes for redox flow batteries. X-ray tomography and electrochemical characterisation techniques will be combined to understand the properties governing the performance of the battery. The PhD project will be supervised by Dr Ana Sobrido (primary supervisor) and Dr Xuekun Lu.
Funding
Funded by: SEMS• Available to Home Applicants Only.
• Full Time programme only.
• Applicant required to start in September/October 2023
• The studentship arrangement will cover home tuition fees and provide an annual stipend for up to 3 years (set at £20,622 for 2023/24).
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 Ana JORGE SOBRIDO.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-519" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Keywords: | Chemistry - Other, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Energy Technologies, Nanotechnology, Materials Science - Other |