Meeting Global challenges for energy storage: Engineering discovery and development of MXene 2D-materials application in energy storage

Unit :  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Salary :  Stipend: £ 18,622 per year
Location :  Milton Keynes
Please quote reference :  LHCS-DTP-Application
Three years and 3 months from October. 2024
Closing Date :  5 February, 2024 - 17:00

Project summary

With increasing global demand for efficient and powerful energy storage systems, future batteries and/or supercapacitors require extended performance beyond existing intrinsic limits which will theoretically afford higher capacity and volumetric energy density at a lower economic and environmental cost. Such systems will require advancements in new materials for the electrodes, electrolytes, and electrocatalysts to achieve the desired outcome in performance, reliability, safety, and economic viability, beyond what is currently feasible. This studentship project intends to exploit 2D nanomaterials, MXenes (early transition metal carbides or nitrides), derivatives of MAX phase ceramic materials, a family of new advanced versatile materials which can provide a unique 2D morphology, elemental composition, and surface and conductance properties, that can theoretically address many of the challenges faced in battery and supercapacitor development.

Further information

Duration & Funding This 3 year 3 month studentship is part of the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership; Stipend £18,622 per annum; Training grant £4,500.

The project is supervised by Dr Nicholas Power. The student would be required to live in the UK and within commuting distance of The Open University in Milton Keynes.

Applicants will ideally have a First Class or Upper Second undergraduate degree or Masters degree (or equivalent experience) in either chemistry, materials science, solid-state physics/chemistry or other relevant scientific/engineering disciplines. Previous laboratory experience and knowledge of synthesis and characterisation techniques for inorganic materials and a broad interest in sustainable materials would be an advantage. Good numeracy, ICT, communication, and organisation skills are also desirable.

Informal enquiries relating to the project should be directed to Dr Nicholas Power. (email:[email protected]).

How to Apply

Please send an email with your CV, a completed application form and a personal statement (max. 2 pages outlining your suitability for the studentship, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date) to [email protected]

You can find more information in the following link: http://www.open.ac.uk/science/life-health-chemical-sciences/phd-studentships-vacancies

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) –Where a student neither comes from one of the countries listed in Table 1 or has a degree from one of the countries listed in Table 2 they will have to pass one of the Home Office approved English language tests, at an approved test centre. See further information here . We recommend an IELTS SELT Consortium test.

Closing date: Feb 5, 2024

Interview date: Online Interviews will be arranged promptly after the closing date.

LHCS holds Athena Swan Bronze Status. We promote diversity in employment and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Posting Date :  23 January, 2024 - 09:15