Prof I Evans
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
About the Project
Oxide ion conductors are the key components in energy-related (solid oxide fuel cells) and environmental applications (gas sensors and separation membranes). Work in the IRE group in the last 3-4 years has led to the discovery and characterisation of structures and properties of some of the best oxide ion conductors in the temperature range targeted for applications (400-600oC).
The objectives of this PhD are:
1. to optimise these and synthesise/characterise new related materials,
2. prepare the materials in device-ready form, and
3. test their performance in devices.
This will be achieved through two directions of research, one fundamental and one applied.
In the first strand, computational methods (ab-initio molecular dynamics) will be used to provide atomic-level insight into the oxide ion diffusion pathways, especially about the directionality of diffusion and hence the anisotropic nature of conductivity, which is essential for applications (e.g. for thin-film growth for devices). Calculations will be supported by direct observations of oxide ion diffusion by experimental methods which probe dynamics on different length scales, such as impedance spectroscopy and inelastic neutron scattering. Both will be done on sintered ceramic samples (in which the spatial information is averaged out) and on oriented large single crystals (which will provide important the vital information about anisotropic properties).
In the second strand, the obtained experimental and computational evidence about the facile conductivity directions will be used to inform thin-film growth of selected promising materials. The aim will be to prepare and characterise them in device-ready form and test their performance in devices such as simple fuel cells and permeation membranes. Given the clear applied materials component of this strand, IRE has agreed collaborations with Prof. Stephen Skinner (at Imperial College Materials Department) and Prof. Ian Metcalfe (at Newcastle Chemical Engineering), experts in solid oxide fuel cell and functional membranes fabrication and testing, respectively.
The project is available from October 2018.
Potential applicants are welcome to contact Dr Ivana Evans ([Email Address Removed]) with informal enquiries.
Early applications are strongly encouraged as the position will be filled when a suitable candidate is identified.
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