PhD Research Studentships

Advanced Cathode and Anode Materials for Next‑Generation Sodium‑Ion Batteries

Supervisor: Maria CRESPO-RIBADENEYRA
Apply by:28 January 2026
Start in:September (Semester 1)

Description

Sodium‑ion batteries (NIBs) are the next-to-market alternative to lithium‑ion technology for large‑scale energy storage.  Due to the abundance, low cost, and geographical accessibility of sodium, this technology is extremely promising. However, achieving high energy density and long-term cycling stability requires significant advances in both anode and cathode materials.

This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to work across two leading research groups, combining novel disordered rocksalt (DRX) cathode design at Imperial with next‑generation Sn–C composite anodes at QMUL. The student will synthesise, characterise, and integrate both electrodes into functional full cells, contributing to the development of competitive NIB systems.

Research Themes

1. DRX Cathodes for Sodium‑Ion Batteries

(Imperial College London – Dr Nuria Tapia-Ruiz)

Disordered rocksalt structures are gaining growing attention for SIBs due to their versatile cation-disordered diffusion networks and ability to incorporate earth‑abundant transition metals. Although still relatively unexplored for sodium hosts, DRX phases offer the potential for high capacities and improved stability compared with conventional layered or polyanionic cathodes.

Objectives include:

  • Synthesis of novel Na‑based DRX cathode materials using solid‑state and sol–gel routes.

  • Systematic control of cation disorder, stoichiometry, and microstructure.

  • Advanced characterisation using X-ray and neutron diffraction, PDF, XAS, SEM/TEM, and related methods to reveal structural–electrochemical relationships.

  • Evaluation of electrochemical behaviour via half‑cell cycling, rate capability testing, and impedance spectroscopy.


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Supervisors:

  • Dr Maria Crespo Ribadeneyra — Queen Mary University of London (Anodes)
  • Dr Nuria Tapia-Ruiz — Imperial College London (Cathodes)
2. Sn–C Composite Anodes for Sodium‑Ion Batteries
(Queen Mary University of London – Dr Maria Crespo Ribadeneyra)

Tin is a promising high‑capacity anode for SIBs but suffers from significant volume expansion during sodiation and little is known about the solid electrolyte interface formation and stabilization. Carbon‑rich matrices and composite architectures offer a pathway to mitigate mechanical degradation and enhance cycling stability.
Objectives include:

  • Synthesis of micro‑ and nano‑engineered Sn–C composites, controlling porosity, carbon structure, and interface design.

  • Optimisation of mechanical integrity and electronic conductivity.

  • Electrochemical characterisation to understand reaction kinetics, structural evolution, and failure modes.

  • Exploration of scalable processing routes suitable for future manufacturing.


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3. Full‑Cell Assembly and Performance Evaluation
(Queen Mary University of London and Imperial College London)
The project culminates in combining the optimised DRX cathodes and Sn–C anodes into full sodium‑ion cells.
The student will evaluate:

  • achievable energy and power density

  • long‑term cycle life

  • rate performance

  • electrolyte compatibility

  • capacity balancing between cathode and anode


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This holistic approach will identify limiting mechanisms and provide guidance for next‑generation high energy density NIB architectures.

Funding

Funded by: China Scholarship Council
Candidate 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 FT Materials Science full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):

Apply Now »

Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-710" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.

SEMS Research Centre:
Sustainable Engineering
Keywords:Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry - Other, Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Engineering - Other, Ceramics, Materials Science - Other, Polymers