Flexible and conformable energy sources with high energy storage capability and fast charge/discharge rate are needed for emerging applications including wearables, robots and electric vehicles. The power requirements for the operation of various components in these different devices are in different capacity ranges. So far, the developed energy storage devices are in various stages of their technological status.
However, the above-mentioned applications require new features and designs that traditional battery or energy storage technologies simply cannot provide. This could be either due to (i) toxicity of material (ii) rigid packaging and high weight (iii) low energy density of flexible batteries and (iv) low lifecycle. This PhD project will develop new flexible battery based on new nanocomposite-based anode and cathode electrodes. The surface reactions of the electrode with electrolyte will be investigated. The ionic/electron transfer reactions, redox reactions, ionic diffusions, and capacitive performance will be analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and charging/discharging methods.
The anticipated major activities:
- Formulate and synthesize nanocomposites for anode and cathode electrodes.
- Characterize the atomic- and molecular-level reactions, structural properties, and electrochemical properties of various materials to be used in the new flexible battery.
- Fabricate and characterize the flexible attery for wearable applications.
Academic qualifications
A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in material science, physics, chemistry, electronic/electrical engineering with a good fundamental knowledge of material preparation.
English language requirement
IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.
Essential attributes
- Experience of fundamental in energy storage devices, materials preparation
- Competent in collaborative research work
- Knowledge of electrochemical technology
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
- Good time management
Desirable attributes
- Knowledge of modelling and simulation
For enquiries about the content of the project, please email Dr Libu Manjakkal [Email Address Removed] For information about how to apply, please visit our website https://www.napier.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/research-degrees/how-to-apply
To apply, please select the link for the PhD Engineering and Built Environment FT application form
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