Kent-Lille Cotutelle PhD in LATP glass-ceramic electrolytes to advance battery technology for a low carbon future at University of Kent on FindAPhD.com

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Dr G Mountjoy No more applications being accepted Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

Canterbury United Kingdom Chemical Physics Chemistry Physics Physical Chemistry Solid State Physics

About the Project

Li ion technology the first choice for future battery technology. A number of advances are being sought. Changing from liquid to solid electrolytes improves safety and sustainability by removing organic volatiles. Introducing glass into the electrolyte lowers the working temperature which reduces energy expenditure and enables more applications.

Additionally, a cathode reaction between Li and air (i.e. lithium-air battery) increases energy density. This project will advance the use of lithium-based glass-ceramics as solid electrolytes. (Glass-ceramics are obtained by tempering a glass to introduce fine crystals which provide strength.) The focus will be on lithium alumino-titano-phosphate (LATP) glass-ceramics with promising Li ion conductivity (analogous to "NASICON" materials for Na ion conductivity). Also, LATP materials are suitable for lithium-air batteries. This project will develop a detailed understanding of the atomic mechanisms for Li ion conductivity in LATP glass-ceramics. It will also increase the variety of these materials by including boron and silicon. The combination of understanding and exploration will be used to obtain solid electrolytes with superior performance.

Note that in the 1st and 3rd years the student will be based at University of Kent, and in the 2nd year the student will be based at Université di Lille. The student's training in materials research and battery technology will enable a career in academia or with battery manufacturers, and hence further contribute to a change over to energy technology without fossil fuels.

Deadline

Friday 24 March (23:59 GMT)

How to Apply

Please contact our Admissions Officer via [Email Address Removed] for further information about how to apply.

You can also contact Dr Gavin Mountjoy directly for further information about the PhD project.

Funding Notes

Tuition fees and stipend at the standard Research Council rate (Home rate only: £4,596 (fees) and £17,668 (stipend) in 2022/23). Open to home and international fee paying students. Home fees only are provided, the shortfall in international fees would need to be self-funded.

References

[1] Zhai H. et al (2017) Nano Letters 17, 3182; [2] Sun J. et al. (2017) Scientific Reports 7, 41217; [3] Leo C.J. (2002) Materials Research Bulletin 37, 1419; [4] Manthiram A. et al (2017) Nature Review Materials 2, 16103.

Where will I study?

University of Kent

Here at the University of Kent we understand your passion to progress. Whether gaining advanced skills or joining a global academic research community drives you, our networks and facilities will help you achieve your ambition. We inspire each other to do outstanding things at Kent and that, in turn, empowers our PhD graduates to do outstanding things in the world. It’s something we’re very proud of.