A 3-year PhD studentship on MXene-based electrodes for Energy Storage

Applications are invited for a 3-year funded PhD studentship on a project supervised by Dr Yohan Dall’Agnese, Lecturer in Energy Storage at the Institute for Materials Discovery (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-for-materials-discovery/), University College London.

This exciting project aims to design the next generation of electrochemical energy storage (batteries and supercapacitors) based on a novel family of nanomaterials called MXenes. MXenes are a large family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, and are promising candidates as electrode materials for energy storage due to their large specific surface area, fast charge storage ability, excellent electronic/ionic conductivity, and high mechanical strength.

The PhD project will focus on the synthesis of novel electrode materials (such as new MXenes’ composition and morphology) and characterisation for a wide range of electrochemical energy storage technologies (such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors).

The successful candidate must have (or expect to obtain) a 1st or strong 2:1 degree in materials science/engineering, chemistry, physics, electrical/chemical engineering and/or a broad range of relevant backgrounds with minimum four years of study at University level. Candidates with a keen interest in new materials development, energy storage, materials characterisations, and lab-based experimental work are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will conduct research in the state-of-the-art Materials Discovery laboratory (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-for-materials-discovery) with a well-funded consumables budget and access to a wide range of experimental facilities. This highly interdisciplinary research will involve national and international academic collaborations.

Applications must include a full CV, two referees contact information, research proposal (500 words maximum), and covering letter/email providing information on why you would be suitable for this opportunity and funding. Applications to be sent directly to Dr Yohan Dall’Agnese ([Email Address Removed]).

The project is expected to begin around September 2021. The vacancy will be available until a suitable candidate is found.