PhD Studentship: Design and Fabrication of Nanomaterials for Next-generation Battery and Supercapacitor Applications

PhD Studentship: Design and Fabrication of Nanomaterials for Next-generation Battery and Supercapacitor Applications

Manchester Metropolitan University - Science & Engineering

Qualification type: PhD

Location: Manchester

Funding for: UK Students, EU Students

Funding amount: £14,553 stipend + fees (currently £4195)

Hours: Full Time 

Placed on: 29th May 2018

Closes: 31st July 2018

Reference: SciEng-CB-2018-1

Project queries contact: Professor Craig Banks (c.banks@mmu.ac.uk)

Project Summary

This project will involve the design, fabrication, characterization and benchmarking of novel nanomaterials (including 2D materials) for energy storage applications, focusing upon Li and Na ion batteries and supercapacitors.

Specific Requirements of the Project

Applicants would typically be expected to have a first class or upper second class degree (or overseas equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree is desirable. Experience of electrochemical applications/electrochemistry is desirable and full training will be given.

The project will involve collaborator with a UK company, so candidates must be able to travel and work away from Manchester for short periods of time. 

Project Aims and Objectives

Lithium ion and sodium-ion batteries are essential to meet the increasing worldwide energy demand for large-scale and low-cost batteries. There is a need to design Li and Na batteries and associated anodes and cathodes to improve charge and discharge rates – hence new nanomaterials need to be developed. Alongside this, fabrication approaches are generally overlooked.

This PHD aims to design, fabricated and test new nanomaterials (including 2D materials) for Li and Na ion batteries with the overall aim to developing batteries that can be charged faster and be re-charged for longer periods without degradation. Research into novel materials for supercapacitor applications will also be explored. Novel Fabrication approaches will also designed and explored including screen-printing and ink-jet printing.

Award length: 3 years     

Interview date: August/September

Start date: October 2018 or later