PhD Research Studentships
Sustainable composite electrolytes for Na-ion batteries
| Supervisor: | Maria CRESPO-RIBADENEYRA |
| Apply by: | 31 January 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
About the project
Batteries, the most common device to store energy, come in various shapes, sizes and chemistries, depending upon the application. They enable us to store and release electrical energy through a chemical reaction. Currently, the predominant technology is the lithium-ion battery (LIB) and improving properties such as energy density, power density and longevity is largely being driven by the electric vehicle (EV) market. As LIBs contain critical minerals including Li, Ni, Co and graphite, to alleviate the pressure on material depletion, we are currently focusing on sodium-ion batteries (NIBs), a faster charging, safer and greener (containing materials that can be produced locally and from sustainable feedstocks) analogue that is yet to be fully commercialised. In our focus to improve the sustainability of these batteries, through this project we want to develop sustainable formulations to replace the fluorinated polymeric materials that are currently being employed in NIBs. We will synthesise polymeric binders derived from biopolymers and modify them to have high ionic conductivity and self-healing properties.
This project is highly interdisciplinary – you will gain expertise in materials chemistry, composite engineering and electrochemistry, while also acquiring a high-level view on sustainability and energy. This opportunity offers a unique platform to contribute to cutting-edge research in battery materials development and manufacturing technologies and make a significant impact on the future of sustainable energy storage.
Our research group
Our research group values diversity in all forms. We are committed to spreading respect and dignity across 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. We prioritise a healthy research culture, collaboration, and flexible work hours as needed. I will provide personalised mentorship, including working towards different career choices following the PhD. I encourage applications from under-represented groups. Please get in touch if you want to discuss your application informally (see contact details below).
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
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-592" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Applied Chemistry, Chemistry - Other, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Engineering - Other, Materials Science - Other, Polymers |