PhD Research Studentships
Advanced manufacturing and operando characterisation of novel-structured lithium-ion battery electrodes
| Supervisor: | Xuekun LU |
| Apply by: | 29 January 2025 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Graphite/Si composite electrode is regarded as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation automotive lithium-ion batteries due to its high energy density compared to the conventional graphite electrode. However, major drawbacks in graphite/Si anodes still remain, such as global volume expansion of the electrode, cracking and pulverization of Si particles (up to 300% expansion), loss of electrical connectivity and capacity, decrease of porosity, undermining the ionic transport and the fast charge capability and fast decay of capacity due to side reactions, consuming electrolyte rapidly. Thus, the state-of-the-art commercialised cells are only loaded with up to 10 wt% Si into the graphite anode to mitigate the structural and chemical degradations. There is great potential as well as an urgent requirement to exceed this limit via improved microstructure design.
In this project we will conduct pioneering research to fabricate multiscale novel-structured graphite/Si composite electrodes to facilitate their deployment for next generation automotive lithium-ion batteries. The electrodes will be characterised by multimodal imaging techniques (optical microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray computed tomography) to reveal the synergistic effect of the graphite/Si particles across multiple spatial and temporal domains, which will be correlated to the microstructural evolution and the heterogeneous degradation of the electrode. These insights will further guide the design and optimisation of the advanced microstructures of the elecctrodes.
This PhD project is therefore an exciting opportunity to develop the state-of-the-art manufacturing and characterisation skills and commit to the net zero roadmap of the UK. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a team with wide expertise in material design, manufacturing, material characterisation, multiscale imaging, tomography and modelling.
Applications are invited from outstanding candidates with or expecting to receive a first or upper-second class honours bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related subjects. Experience or knowledge of mechanical, electrochemical modelling would be desirable. A master’s degree in a relevant subject is also desirable.
Our PhD students become part of Queen Mary’s Doctoral College, which provides training and development opportunities, advice on funding, and financial research support. Our students also have access to a Researcher Development Programme designed to help recognise and develop the skills and attributes needed to manage research and to prepare and plan for the next stages of their career.
This PhD position will remain open until the ideal candidate is selected.
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 Xuekun LU.
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-633" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science - Other, Polymers |