We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated researcher to work on the new challenging PhD project announced at Lancaster University in collaboration with Faraday Institution (UK Research and Innovation), The University of Cambridge, Imperial College and University College London. The project focuses on the exploration of advanced fundamental and applied science nanoscale phenomena in electrodes and interfaces in rechargeable batteries. It uses cutting-edge scanning probe, optical and nanomechanical characterisation approaches in collaboration to step-change the performance of Li-ion and novel Na-ion rechargeable battery systems.
Energy is a priority area of research in the UK with a dedicated expenditure of £400 million in UKRI EPSRC Energy theme and energy storage via rechargeable batteries projected to have a major impact on the UK’s ability to achieve its CO2 reduction targets by 2050.
The project focuses on the understanding of fundamental nanoscale phenomena in the batteries’ electrodes and interfaces that play a key role in battery performance aiding development of a novel generation of efficient batteries such as Na-ion, anode free and solid-state batteries. The efficient characterisation of battery materials is the key for advancing the performance and safety of existing and development of the new batteries.
The project exploits synergy between UK leading scanning probe microscopy (SPM) group of Prof Oleg Kolosov, experts in the nanoscale characterisation of advanced materials, and top materials groups in The University of Cambridge, UCL and ICL to lead a joint development of novel battery platforms. Characterisation techniques are the vital component of this enabling the development of novel batteries by uncovering the fundamental origins of their performance. The project will address the challenges of studying the buried nanoscale interfaces and surface layers such as SEI, providing a key currently missing understanding crucial for the development of new Na-ion batteries and enabling studies of real-world battery materials.
The successful candidate will work in the largely unexplored area of uncovering the link between chemical and physical modification of the electrodes and electrolyte-electrode interfaces, and their nanoscale physical properties (morphology, nano-thermal, nano-electrical and nano-mechanical). The project will use the state-of-the-art facilities of Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/quantum-technology/ and Faraday Institution https://www.faraday.ac.uk/. Revealing the structure-property relationship between these parameters and the ultimate electrochemical performance observed in new battery systems will allow the directed development of new successful battery platforms. The work will include the preparation of electrode materials (electrodes and electrolytes) for the characterisation and probing these in the test electrochemical environments using SPM, Raman microspectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance and standard electrochemical characterisation (EC) methods to establish structure-property-EC performance relationships.
The Physics Department is a holder of the Athena SWAN Silver award and Institute of Physics JUNO Championship status and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.
Applicants are normally expected to have the equivalent of a first (1) or upper second (2.1) degree class in Physics or Astrophysics, supplemented by a relevant Master's-level qualification. Potential applicants are invited to apply to the physics department through this link: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/physics/study/phd/ stating the title of the project and the name of the supervisor. For additional enquiries contact [Email Address Removed]
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