About the Project
Li-ion cells have revolutionised 21st century society by enabling mobile communications, portable electronics and implanted medical devices. However, the drive to push the performance of such cells, e.g. through a reduction of the charging time or an increase capacity, is often limited by safety concerns. Until now, no technology for direct measuring of the State of Charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH) or internal thermodynamics of commercial lithium-ion batteries has been available.
The aim of this project is to evaluate a fibre optics-based sensing methodology, enabling in-situ chemical battery diagnostics. Guided by the expertise within the University energy storage research team, the student will gain deep understanding and hands-on experience of the diagnostics capabilities, li-ion cell manufacturing limitations and use of optical sensing for chemical analysis. Subsequently, this will enable development of a novel diagnostics method, making a clear contribution to the body of knowledge.
This will be achieved in close collaboration with Insplorion AB - a Swedish company, which with their sensor platform based on NanoPlasmonic Sensing (NPS), paves the way for chemical in-situ monitoring of li-ion cells. This technology can offer significant advancement over the currently available solutions by enabling direct lithium measurements inside the complex li-ion systems. Consequently, this work has the potential to facilitate significant advances in battery diagnostics, promoting safer and more optimised energy storage solutions. These areas are highly relevant to the automotive industry focused on fleet electrification and aligned with the EU transport de-carbonisation goals.
The student will carry out the work using the University research group battery manufacturing and testing equipment, paired with bespoke optical equipment provided by the industrial partner.
Training and Development
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Student will have an opportunity to participate in daily research activities within the group gaining first-hand experience with state-of-the-art technology, as well as engage with an European industrial partner and build an international network of collaborations, both academic and commercial.
Possibility of a short placement in Sweden.
Entry criteria for applicants to PhD
• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
PLUS
the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
• Willing to travel internationally for conferences and partner meetings
For further details see: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact:
Dr Tazdin Amietszajew, at [Email Address Removed].
To apply online please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/
All applications require full supporting documentation and a covering letter, including supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Duration of study: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Start dates: Jan 2020
Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Funding Notes
This is a fully-funded project in collaboration with the industrial company Insplorion AB.
The package includes UK/EU fees; £15,009 annual stipend plus a consumables and travel/conferences package total worth up to £10,000
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