PhD Research Studentships
Designing Solid Boosters for Enhanced Performance of Redox Targeting Flow Batteries
| Supervisor: | Ana JORGE SOBRIDO |
| Apply by: | 28 January 2026 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Despite the advantages of flow batteries, a major challenge of existing flow battery technologies is their low energy density, which is limited by the solubility of the electroactive species in the electrolyte. A strategy to increase energy density in flow batteries is storing charge in solid electroactive materials being confined in the external reservoirs and electrically connected to the electrochemical reactor by charge carriers (redox mediators) dissolved in the flowing electrolytes in the so-called redox targeting flow batteries (RTFB). Confining the solid active material (or solid booster) in the external reservoirs, outside the energy conversion reactor, allows energy and power to remain decoupled. In this configuration energy storage reservoirs become chemical reactors where the confined solid energy storing material and flowing redox mediators undergo heterogeneous charge transfer reactions. The redox-mediated electron transfer occurring at the solid-liquid interface buffers the state of charge of the electrolyte flowing in the flow battery. Thus, the overpotential required to charge/discharge the battery is lowered increasing the overall performances of the battery.
Both design of materials and device engineering are crucial to promote kinetics and transport processes to achieve optimal energy and power density, robust cycling performance, and minimum maintenance, especially upon scaling up the system.
With this project, we aim to: 1) Design new energy storing composites that are scalable and that can increase the energy density of current flow batteries at an acceptable cost; 2) Understand the different mechanisms for electron transfer between booster - redox mediator – electrode via in situ characterisation; 3)Explore the multiple parameters involved: concentration of redox mediator, temperature, packing of the solid booster, flow dynamics through the packed solid booster, etc.
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.
Application Deadline is 4pm (UK time) 28th January 2026
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 FT Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-679" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://jorgesobrido-group.com/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Chemistry - Other, Energy Technologies, Materials Science - Other |