About the Project
Applications are sought for a PhD position at the University of Birmingham, funded by the Faraday Institution (faraday.ac.uk). The Faraday Institution was established in 2017 as part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, Faraday Battery Challenge, and is the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage science and technology, supporting research, training, and analysis.
Many early electric vehicles are now approaching end-of-life. Material from these batteries may be separated from other cell components and used to resynthesize new electrode materials. However, reuse of the electrodes in other applications (e.g. sodium-ion batteries or in catalysis) may prove to be a cost-effective alternative, particularly if the material can be reused with minimal processing after it is recovered from the cell. This project will explore recycling and reuse of end-of-life materials in alternative applications.
Materials will be characterised using state-of-the-art techniques including in situ and ex situ x-ray and neutron diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. The information from these studies will aid the design optimised strategies for recycle and reuse of battery materials. The project will involve aspects of materials synthesis, electrochemical characterisation and advanced X-ray powder diffraction characterisation and modelling, and will provide extensive training in a range of state-of-the-art research techniques, which are directly applicable to a career in academia or industry. The student will also receive training in a diverse range of transferable skills, ensuring competitiveness in any employment sector.
The Faraday Institution Cluster PhD students receive an enhanced stipend (approximately £20,000) plus an additional £7,000 annually to cover training and travel costs. Recipients will have access to multiple networking opportunities, industry visits, mentorship, internships, as well as quality experiences that will further develop knowledge, skills, and aspirations.
The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 on an anti-discrimination ethos accepting men and women on an equal basis. Today, as a community of over 150 nationalities in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, we remain committed to promoting equality, diversity and fairness irrespective of age, disability, gender, pregnancy or marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Funding Notes
Candidates should have or expect to receive a first or upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science or other related discipline. Familiarity with solid-state chemistry, electrochemistry or crystallographic methods would be an advantage.
Applications should be made through the University of Birmingham’s online application system. Please contact Dr Phoebe Allan in advance of applying, providing a CV and cover letter summarising your research interests and previous experience. Further information can be obtained by emailing Dr Phoebe Allan ([Email Address Removed]).
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