Supervisor: Dr Ainara Aguadero
Duration: 36 months
We are seeking applications from enthusiastic graduates for a three-year PhD studentship in the field of the development of high energy storage batteries that is of paramount importance to support renewable energies and to implement high energy portable applications such as the electric vehicle. Li-air and Na-air batteries have recently received attention due to their high theoretical energy density, 5-10 higher over Li-ion batteries. However, performance is highly limited by major challenges such as the fast degradation of the cell components. The project aims to incorporate selective ion-conductive ceramic membranes so as to increase safety and durability of metal-air batteries. The use of an oxide ceramic electrolyte can hinder the degradation of the electrolyte and anode by oxygen, thus dramatically improving the performance. The project will be based in the Department of Materials at the South Kensington Campus.
You will work within a team of dynamic PhD Students and Research Associates, in newly refurbished laboratories on the South Kensington Campus. You will also have extensive interaction with several international collaborators, as well as project partners. You will have access to advanced characterization facilities within the department including Titan 80/300 TEM/STEM, SIMS-LEIS platform and the recently funded ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (APPES).
We are seeking candidates with a minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) first degree in Materials Science, Chemistry or Applied Physics. This 3-year studentship will begin in October 2014. Due to funding restrictions for those meeting the criterion of having been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years the studentship will cover fees at the home/EU rate plus the standard maintenance stipend of £15,726 per annum. Applications will be processed as received.
How to apply
The prospectus, entry requirements and application form (under âhow to applyâ) are available at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus.
This project will be supervised by Dr Ainara Aguadero (a.aguadero@imperial.ac.uk). For questions regarding the admissions process, please contact Fiona Thomson (fiona.thomson@imperial.ac.uk). The prospectus, entry requirements and application form (under âhow to applyâ) are available at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus
Formal applications can be completed online (only after informal enquiries): http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/materials/research/phdopportunities while information about the Department can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/materials.
Closing date: 17 January 2014
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