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  3D printing next generations of batteries: alumina-based solid-state electrolyte for electric vehicles


   Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

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  Dr E Sabet, Dr Sherry Ghanizadeh  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

About the Project

This research is jointly funded by two of the UK's most prestigious academic and research organisations, Loughborough University and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and further supported by the Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (AM-COE), and other industrial partners.

The project provides the successful candidates with an opportunity to liaise with several research and manufacturing entities and enjoy ground-breaking research in a fast-evolving industry which is a significant contribution to the reduction of the carbon footprint in the world.

This research aims to design a new material formulation and 3D printing process to manufacture a solid-state electrolyte for the next generation of solid-state batteries. The intended 3D printing process for this research is vat-photo polymerisation (also known as DLP or SLA 3D printing), and the research involves the design of a new alumina-beta resin slurry for this additive manufacturing process, followed by optimising the print parameters, and post-print sintering process to achieve the required spec for the electrolyte.

The main objective is to design a material and printing and post-printing process to manufacture a solid-state electrolyte made of alumina-beta, which has a dense middle section, with two porous ends, in which the cathode and anode will be cast to make the battery.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Ehsan Sabet

Secondary supervisor: Sherry Ghanizadeh ([Email Address Removed]).

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Applicants should have qualified with, or expect to obtain, an upper second-class bachelor’s degree in material science, mechanical engineering, or polymers/chemical engineering, with a good understanding of additive manufacturing processes (in particular stereolithography or vat-photo polymerisation). A relevant master's degree and/or equivalent practical experience will be an advantage.

Willingness to work in a team, travel to supporting organisations, work flexible working hours, and report to the consortium are required. Excellent academic writing skills, research design skills, material testing, and characterisation capabilities, and a good understanding of ceramics and solid-state batteries are desirable.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’, and quote the advert reference number ‘ES-MTC-2023R’ under the financial support section of the application. 

Please submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents by the advert closing date.

Apply now


Chemistry (6) Engineering (12) Materials Science (24)

Funding Notes

The studentship is funded between Loughborough University and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and provides a tax-free stipend of at least £27,190 per annum (2023/24 rate) for 3 years plus tuition fees at the UK rate. Due to funding restrictions, the studentship is only available to those eligible to pay UK fees.

Where will I study?

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