PhD Research Studentships
Multi-assisted flow batteries
| Supervisor: | Ana JORGE SOBRIDO |
| Apply by: | 29 January 2025 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Electrochemical energy storage will play a critical role in the decarbonisation of the electric power sector. Flow batteries are ideally suited to facilitate large-scale energy storage projects that can provide sustained power in the MW-GW range. Flow batteries are rechargeable electrochemical systems where two redox active species, operating at disparate potentials, are dissolved or suspended in liquid electrolytes, stored in inexpensive external tanks, and pumped through a power-converting electrochemical stack (reactor) where they are oxidised and reduced to charge and discharge the battery. Within the reactor, the two redox electrolytes, often referred to as the positive electrolyte (posolyte) and negative electrolyte (negolyte), are separated by a selective membrane and undergo electro-oxidation and electro-reduction reactions on the surfaces of porous carbon electrodes. Ions traverse the membrane to balance the charge between the redox electrolytes, maintaining electroneutrality. However, there are still signicant challenges that have prevent their widespread deployment, including the use of expensive redox chemistries and the lack of understanding of degradation mechanisms. This PhD project will develop a multi-assisted flow battery system to promote higher efficiencies and cyclability of metal-hybrid flow batteries.
The succesful candidate will join a research team working on energy conversion and storage related technologies, with state-of-the-art facilities for electrochemical characterisation and access to the brand-new QMUL Green Energy Hub to study new approaches to high-performing flow batteries.
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 Ana JORGE SOBRIDO.
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-620" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Chemistry - Other, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Energy Technologies, Materials Science - Other |