Modelling and experimental studies for the optimisation of cathode materials in lithium-sulphur batteries
The project will be in association with the research programme LiSTAR which is funded under the umbrella of the Faraday Institution in UK (Powering Britain’s battery revolution.
Start date
1 October 2020Duration
3 yearsApplication deadline
Funding source
The University of SurreyFunding information
The PhD studentship will cover fees (at home fees rate) and living costs (at normal EPSRC stipend).
About
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries hold the promise of becoming the next generation battery technology for automotive and other transport applications due to its 3-4 times higher energy density than today’s lithium-ion batteries. Li-S technology is being actively developed by major industry players like Sony and LG Chem as well as UK’s Oxis Energy.
The cathode contains mainly sulphur in a host or as a sulphur-composite with other materials that need to be optimised for a best performance of the sulphur cathode to obtain maximum energy and power with respect to the total cathode mass and volume.
The proposed PhD project is on lithium-sulphur batteries. It will involve experimental developments of novel composite cathodes of sulphur which will be optimised after computational modelling. The project will also involve battery cell fabrication and testing, and material characterisation pre-cell testing, in operando during cell testing and post-mortem after the cell has been cycled a certain number of times. The candidate should have computational modelling skills and computer programming knowledge, as well as experimental skills.
Related links
UK Research and Innovation fundingEligibility criteria
Candidates must have:
- A relevant BSc/BEng or MSc/MEng degree. first or upper second class, in engineering, physics or chemistry.
Non-native speakers of English who did not study in an English-speaking country will be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category, or other equivalent proof of qualification in English language.
We target UK/EU Students only. International students may be considered but they will have to self-fund the difference between the overseas fees and home fees.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted through the Engineering Materials PhD course page.
Please clearly state the studentship title and supervisor on your application.
Applicants are required to send a cover letter explaining your interests and qualifications with regards to the project and requirements above, a CV, copies of university degrees and transcripts with grades of all modules and projects (in English or officially translated in English), copy of IELTS English language test results, if required, and the names and contact details of two referees.
For application enquiries, please email Dr Constantina Lekakou.
Application deadline
Contact details
Research in energy storage, and more specifically lithium-sulphur batteries
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