PhD Studentship: Next-generation electrolytes for aluminium-based batteries

Ref Number B04- Professional Expertise Academic Department UCL BEAMS (B04) Location London Working Pattern Full time Salary See advert text Contract Type Fixed-term Working Type On site Available for Secondment No Closing Date 14-Oct-

Vacancy information

The UCL Department of Chemical Engineering ( is internationally renowned for its exceptional research and high quality of teaching. In addition to a wide range of educational programmes to undergraduate and postgraduate students, the Chemical Engineering Department also hosts a rich portfolio of research addressing global challenges in manufacturing, materials, sustainability, health and energy. We are also proud to champion a supportive and inclusive environment for our staff and students, exemplified by our gold Athena SWAN Award.

The student will be primarily based at the new UCL East Campus, hosting cutting-edge research facilities set in cross-disciplinary hubs. As part of the Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL), the student will have access to equipment and expertise spanning electrochemical engineering, chemistry, materials science and mechanical engineering in a truly collaborative environment.

The applicant will be required to undertake practical laboratory work, process and analyse data, self-lead day-to-day activities, update on progress through reports and presentations, write scientific articles and present at national and international conferences. The post is fully funded (stipend and UK fees) for years, commencing 1st February . Overseas students may apply, provided they can independently cover the difference between UK and overseas tuition fees.

Studentship description

Next-generation anode research is a rapidly developing field that seeks to replace Li-based anodes with alternative technologies (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al) that offer higher capacity, improved safety or greater sustainability metrics. Amongst these, aluminium anodes offer unparalleled volumetric energy densities combined with extremely low cost, high earth abundance and well-established refining methods. However, the fundamental electrochemistry is limited by the difficulty of achieving a reversible 3-electron redox reaction with conventional electrolyte systems. Commercial electrolytes cannot coordinatively stabilise the Al3+cation which results in large overpotentials and low coulombic efficiencies for its plating and stripping, these characteristics are untranslatable to devices. This project aims to develop novel electrolyte systems by combining computational discovery with robust syntheses, and assess their compatibility with the Al anode through electrochemical testing and materials characterization. This multidisciplinary approach aims to rapidly accelerate the commercial viability of the technology, delivering high scientific impact whilst providing a well-rounded skillset to the prospective student.

Person specification

The applicant must be enthusiastic and dedicated, with demonstrable ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. The applicant must have achieved a minimum of a UK Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with Merit, or a minimum of an upper second-class MEng, MChem or MSci from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Experience with any of the following are desirable; research methods, battery science, electrochemistry, organic synthesis, materials synthesis, computational modelling.

Eligibility

Funds are only available to cover UK-equivalent fees. Overseas applicants may apply but if successful would have to find funding to cover the difference between the UK and overseas fees rates.

Applications should be submitted through:

Please nominate Dr Alexander Kibler as your supervisor on the application form and include your CV and a statement of interest.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Alexander Kibler at: .

For further information on the MPhil/PhD course as well as the recruitment and selection process, please use the link below:

Funding Notes

Stipend: c. £21, + UK fees

Duration of Studentship: years

Start date: February