This PhD studentship is an exciting opportunity to work with the Faraday Institution FutureCAT project, the NanoLAB group at The University of Sheffield, and industrial partners to develop the fabrication of novel 3D-patterned electrodes, and to analyse the microstructure and degradation processes of the 3D batteries in using advanced microscopy. Control over the electrode morphology can assist in the rapid removal/insertion of Li+ ions in batteries, with potential to improve fast-charging technologies relevant industrial applications.
Aims and Objectives
Specific project objectives include:
1. Fabrication of 3D electrodes for batteries using novel patterning methodologies.
2. Microstructural analysis of the patterned electrodes, including using advanced microscopy and tomography techniques.
3. Electrochemical analysis of 3D electrodes to understand fast-charging capabilities.
4. Evaluation of the mechanical strength and stability of the 3D electrodes. Correlation of electrochemical performance of 3D battery microstructures with long-term battery mechanical resilience.
5. Determine optimum 3D electrode patterning strategies for fast charging, high capacity, long life batteries.
In this project you will be interacting with a large team of researchers working in the battery field, taking advantage of the excellent experimental facilities and expertise at the University of Sheffield, including working with the Faraday Institution’s FutureCAT project and industrial collaborators. You will develop fundamental knowledge of battery degradation in a range of topical new novel Li-ion battery materials. This PhD is also a cross-cutting project, developing advanced methodologies in characterisation, crack mechanics and interfacial engineering, which will be transferable to a wide range of battery chemistries (such as Li-ion and Na-ion) and microstructures and provide quantitative data for multi-scale modelling of battery systems.
This is a challenging project and requires a researcher who is enthusiastic, highly motivated and wants to contribute to world leading research. An existing detailed familiarity with all topics is not expected, but candidates should have a strong background in Physical Sciences or Materials/Ceramic Engineering, and have a strong interest in battery design, materials processing and 3D microstructural characterisation.
1stor 2:1 degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics or other Relevant Discipline.
This is a University of Sheffield studentship covering UK (or EU with settled status) applicants fees and a stipend of £17,688 p.a. (2022/23 rate). We are willing to consider overseas applicants providing there is means to fund the difference between home and overseas tuition fees (currently £22,104 p.a. for 22-23 entry).
The position is immediately available for current entry, or October 2023-2024 entry.
EU and overseas applicants will require an acceptable English qualification such as IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 and minimum of 6 in each component or equivalent.
Applications should be submitted through the University system by using our standard online
PhD application form https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgradapplication/
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