PhD Studentship – Operando spin-state selective X-ray emission spectroscopy of battery electrode materials

co supervisors: Sofia Diaz-Moreno (Diamond Light Source) and Leonardo Bernasconi (STFC)

PhD Description: The student will participate in an interdisciplinary research project based in the Electrochemistry group at the University of Southampton, co-supervised by colleagues at the Diamond Light Source and the Scientific Computing Department of STFC, Harwell. The aim will be to develop operando spin-state selective X-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES), High Resolution XANES (HR-XANES), and EXAFS using the capabilities of the I20 beamline at the Diamond Light Source, taking the Prussian blue analogue compounds as the exemplar materials. These materials are of interest in advanced lithium and sodium ion batteries, but also for larger grid-scale storage systems. The student will be involved in preparation of the materials, their characterisation using a range of techniques including SEM, TEM, XRD, and conventional XAS, in addition to the XES and HR-XANES that will be the focus of this study. The XES and spin state selective XANES and EXAFS will provide unique insights into the structural factors that determine the storage capacities of the Prussian blue analogue materials.

The project will provide the student with training in materials synthesis, electrode fabrication, electrochemical methodologies, and materials characterisation using a wide range of techniques as described above. The project will involve an additional collaboration with Tom Penfold of the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who will assist with the development of data analysis tools and the supporting theory. The overall aims of the project are to further the understanding of the role of the identity of the transition metal species in the series of Prussian blue analogues and structural defects in determining capacity of the battery electrode materials, whilst also developing the tools to provide spin-selective characterisation of the oxidation states and coordination environments of the transition metal atoms.

Applicants who are also interested in developing their teaching expertise may be offered an additional year of funding in exchange for a 20% time commitment to undergraduate teaching in years 1-3. This experience will be supported by mentoring to achieve Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. The student will participate in undergraduate teaching in either inorganic or physical chemistry. In year 1 this will involve teaching lab activities and support teaching with a member of staff (e.g. workshops), but in years 2 and 3 after some experience there will be opportunities to host tutorials or undertake other more responsible roles.