PhD Studentship - Materials for Next-Generation Batteries

Project description

The Electronic Materials and Devices Research Group at the University of Southampton is a dynamic interdisciplinary team delivering novel solutions for advanced energy storage technologies, sensory systems and unconventional computing architectures. Our group encompasses diverse expertise ranging from materials process development to electronic devices, circuits and systems. This knowledge combined with our state-of-art facilities and strong collaborations with industry enables us to offer unique solutions to real-world problems. https://zepler.soton.ac.uk , http://www.zeplerinstitute.ac.uk

Our vision is to disrupt current ways of thinking, transforming our society through emerging nanotechnologies, such as: nano-material for batteries, nano/bio-sensors, safe and efficient and novel hardware for AI. To realise this vision, we are seeking exceptional candidates to join our team, interested in devoting their passion for addressing some of the challenges we have identified.

Modern electronic technologies are developing at an impressive pace, shaping today's societies by making our world more connected, safer and cleaner. For instance, technologies such as electromobility, medical implants and robotics. However, reaching the full potential of such technologies heavily relies on the device that is powering these - the battery. Innovations in high-performance energy storage devices is somehow limited since the introduction of lithium batteries in the early 90's. This is mainly because of the trade-offs that have to be made between battery performance, safety, sustainability and cost.

Our group has interest in further exploiting the features of next-generation batteries beyond lithium-ion. This PhD studentship aims to deliver novel battery materials and designs with properties meeting the latest application requirements in terms of performance, safety and sustainability. This will be performed by developing new fabrication recipes and procedures and through extensive material and device level characterization that will also aid in deciphering the underlying operating mechanisms. The PhD student will have the opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team and to be trained and work in the world-class facilities of the Southampton Materials Fabrication and Characterisation Center.

The ideal candidate should have an MEng/MSc (or equivalent, or near completion) with first class honours or distinction in Electrochemistry, Physical and Organic Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related subject with experience in material/battery characterization and/or cleanroom fabrication techniques and a clear vision for future energy storage.

To apply please send a CV, relevant publications, the names of two referees and a covering letter explaining your motivation, current interests and relevant background. Please note that the successful candidate will be asked to submit a PhD research application to Registry to ensure they have met all necessary admissions criteria. Information on how to apply can be found here:

www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html .

Entry Requirements:

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date:

Applications should be received no later than 31 August 2020 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding:

Full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of £15,009 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk .