Towards Printing and Packing Energy Storage Devices

BACKGROUND

Additive Manufacturing (AM) promises integrated, customised and bespoke components that can be created on demand in a one-step process. It is not unfair to say that a wide range of applications including membranes, supercapacitors, multifunctional composites and Joule Heaters are very likely to be revolutionized thanks to the unique properties of graphene. Despite the continuous progress in both fields, there are still challenges to overcome.

Specifically, graphene 2D building blocks must be assembled into complex 3D structures which need to be integrated along with other materials into final devices whilst preserving their multifunctional properties. The integration of graphene-related materials in AM enables the on-demand fabrication of customized 3D complex structures and combine them with other materials. This is notably attractive in the context of energy storage devices (e.g. supercapacitors or batteries).

PROJECT AIMS AND METHODS

Instead of being limited to current approaches based on carbon, ceramics and metallic electrode films by roll-to-roll technologies or accordion-like structures, AM suggests a revolutionary approach to directly 3D print electrodes and supercapacitor devices in any desired shape and dimensions, while retaining the multifunctional properties of the active materials in terms of surface area and conductivity.

The goal of this project is therefore to investigate the development of novel inks based on graphene and ceramic nanoparticles and to achieve multimaterial 3D printing for assembling on energy storage devices such as batteries or supercapacitors.

ELIGIBILITY

You should have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK.

Applicants with a Lower Second Class degree will be considered if they also have a master’s degree. Applicants with a minimum Upper Second Class degree and significant relevant non-academic experience are encouraged to apply.