Redox mediators for Li-air batteries

Starting in the academic year 2020/2021, a role is available to develop molecular redox mediators for applications in beyond lithium-ion batteries. The lithium-air battery contains an air breathing cathode at which oxygen is reduced to lithium peroxide and a lithium metal anode. The lack of the heavy transition metal oxides that are common to lithium-ion batteries means that this technology could offer the highest practical specific energy densities of any rechargeable battery.

The successful applicant will join the team as a member of a dedicated ‘Sustainable Batteries’ cohort of PhD students. The role will focus on the synthesis and electrochemical characterisation of organic and inorganic redox-active molecules and the evaluation of their performance in Li-air cells. The applicant will gain expertise in battery development, molecular synthesis and electrochemistry – vital areas for many of the UK’s emerging industries.

Research in the Newton Group is focussed on the development of new molecular materials, and their application in advanced energy storage technologies. In particular, our group are experts in the synthesis and application of hybrid organic-inorganic molecular metal oxides (Advanced Materials 30, 1800159 (2018); Angewandte Chemie International Edition 58, 18281-18285 (2019); Advanced Materials 31, 1904182 (2019)).

The studentship is funded through the EPSRC and SFI CDT in Sustainable Chemistry - Atoms2Products and is based at the GSK Carbon Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry at the University of Nottingham. Students will undertake a 4-year PhD programme, where the first year allows them to build strong background knowledge in their chosen Research Theme as well as to benefit from multi-disciplinary Core training activities including Introduction to Sustainability, Entrepreneurial Skills and Responsible Research and Innovation.

To apply, please email Dr Graham Newton ([Email Address Removed]).