Flexible textile-based self-powered energy harvesting and storage system for smart wearable electronics

Smart wearable electronics that are fabricated on fabrics or textile substrates are of importance for next-generation portable electronic device systems. Ideal wearable and portable applications not only require the device to be integrated into the various platform but also desire a self-powered feature. At present, most of all self-powered wearable electronics are designed to be connected with energy generation and storage devices separately. In this project, a hybrid smart fibre that exhibits a spontaneous energy generation and storage process within a single fibre device that does not need an external electric circuit/connection will be introduced. This is achieved through the employment of asymmetry coaxial structure in an electrolyte system of the supercapacitor that creates potential difference upon the creation of the triboelectric charges or photoelectrochemical cells. This project can provide great opportunities to establish the competence of students not only in fibre/textile-based self-powered wearable electronics but also in photovoltaic, electrochemistry and triboelectric devices.

 For more information, or if there are any questions, please contact Dr Bo Hou HouB6@cardiff.ac.uk

The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline. 

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements) 

How to apply 

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy. 

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including: 

• your academic CV 

• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English 

• a personal statement/covering letter 

• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk  

Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.     

In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.

Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview. 

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Practitioner accreditation that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time. 

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - research – Cardiff University. 

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.  We very much welcome applications in Welsh.