PhD Studentship in Engineering high-entropy manganese oxide nanocrystals for low-cost, robust rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZAB)

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Engineering
Location:  UK Other
Closing Date:  Friday 16 August 2024
Reference:  ENG1776

Project description:

The primary challenge of access to clean and affordable energy will be addressed via the development of sustainable rechargeable batteries at low cost with metals like zinc (Zn) as an exemplar platform. Zn can outperform lithium (Li) in terms of cost ($1.85 kg−1 – Zn versus $68 kg−1 – Li), safety, and relative abundance with recycling recovery efficiency as high as 99%. The well-established ability of abundant and low-cost, manganese-based air electrodes to deliver physicochemical structure modulation and active sites for oxygen electrochemistry (oxygen reduction and evolution reactions are both of profound relevance to rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZAB). 

Accordingly, this project aims to develop defect engineered manganese-based electrodes with tailorable features for RZAB. Using a combination of diffraction, microscopic and spectroscopic tools, structure-function relationships will be optimized to validate performance of novel RZAB cells. 

Responsibilities and Tasks

As a PhD researcher, you will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments for designing and developing manganese based RZAB cells. You will work closely with our experienced team of researchers to develop and evaluate innovative strategies to enhance RZAB development. Your research findings will be published in high-impact scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

Qualifications and Requirements:

We are seeking a bright, highly motivated individual who has or is predicted to be awarded a first class or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent if from other EU countries) in materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, or a relevant discipline. 

Due to funding restrictions this position is only available to UK/EU candidates with "home fee status". The candidate should be self-motivated, have good communication skills and be able to resolve challenges independently, with an interest in applied scientific research.

Benefits:

• Full funding for the duration of the PhD program (3 years), including a stipend and tuition fees.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Guidance and mentorship from a team of experienced researchers and professors.
• Networking opportunities with leading experts in the field and participation in international conferences.

To apply for this PhD opportunity, please submit the following documents to [email protected]:

• Cover letter outlining your research interests and motivation to pursue this project.
• Curriculum vitae detailing your academic background, research experience, and relevant skills.
• Academic transcripts of your previous degrees.
• Contact information for two professional references.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is appointed.

If you have any specific questions on the project, please email Dr Oluwafunmilola Ola ([email protected])