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School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  1. School of Physical and Chemical Sciences
  2. Chemistry
  3. PhD/Research
  4. PhD Projects
  5. Development of new electrolytes for all-solid-state battery systems

Development of new electrolytes for all-solid-state battery systems

Research Group: Chemistry
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 Years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

  • Available to Chinese applicants only.
  • Applicant required to start in September 2025.
  • The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

While there are continuing efforts to improve the Li-ion technology that forms the basis of consumer electronics, vehicle electrification and grid scale storage, a step change in addressing energy storage challenges is required in order to meet the predicted demands and address concerns. A number of alternative technologies have been proposed including Li-air, Li-sulfur, solid-state batteries, polymer electrolyte based systems, etc. Li all-solid-state batteries overcome the safety concerns of using flammable liquid electrolytes, but have other issues related to materials limitations, the electrode/electrolyte interface, manufacturing complexity, cost and cycling stability.

The present project will focus on overcoming some of the issues associated with all-solid-state-battery lithium systems. In particular, the project will focus on the development of new solid electrolytes that show improved conductivity at room temperature and improved compatibility with electrode materials. The project aims to increase the room temperature conductivity using two approaches. Firstly, the development of new oxysulfide solid electrolyte compositions and secondly the use of composites to reduce grain boundary resistances. The project will involve a number of techniques such as solid state synthesis, structural characterisation by X-ray and neutron diffraction methods including total scattering analysis, electrical characterisation for example using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic cycling. Additionally materials processing methods such as solution casting and hot pressing will be used to prepare electrolyte films for testing and incorporation into test cells.  

Requirements

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Chemistry programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/phdresearch/application-process/#apply

Deadline for application - 29th of January 2025

Supervisor Contact Details:

E-mail: i.abrahams@qmul.ac.uk

  • You will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and writing) at the time of application to the CSC.

 

SPCS Academics: Dr Isaac Abrahams

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