Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
SLB
The University of Lincoln - PhD Studentship - Development of next-generation multivalent metal-sulphur batteries with high energy density
About the Project:
Applications are invited for outstanding candidates to join our PhD programme (3.5 years) between the School of Chemistry at University of Lincoln (supervised by Dr Filipe Marques Mota) and SLB Cambridge Research Limited (SCR) (supervised by Dr Julien Ramier). The PhD programme will have a balanced industry-academic focus on the development of next-generation electrochemical energy storage. Candidates are expected to start their position on January 1 st 2024, or as soon as possible after the intended date.
Who should apply?
Applicants must show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated and high-performing research. They should have Honours or Master's Degree in chemistry or relevant areas of research. Motivated students with a background or interest in (electro)chemistry, materials science, and engineering are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students with hands-on research experience and a record of research published in SCIE scientific journals. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed over Teams.
About the Project:
The development of conversion-type metal-sulphur (metal-S) batteries offers extended energy density ranges and a cost-effective solution against current cathode materials. Replacing Li with abundant multivalent metal anode counterparts (e.g., calcium and magnesium) is a promising yet unexplored strategy. In light of the unique metal-S electrochemistry, The PhD student will examine the reaction mechanism and solvation of polysulfide species taking place during discharge/recharge cycles of the assembled batteries. In addition, the technical challenges of metal anodes, including the dendritic nucleation and growth during metal plating, correlated side reactions, and the stabilization of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) will be investigated.
Supervisors:
Dr Filipe Marques Mota, University of Lincoln Dr Julien Ramier, SLB Cambridge Research Limited (SCR)
The School of Chemistry at Lincoln:
Founded in 2014 with a £6.8m grant, the School will also provide me with facile access to specialist facilities including the £23m Joseph Banks Laboratories ( company website ), The Bridge Advanced Engineering R&D Centre ( company website ), and the £28m Isaac Newton Building. The School has heavily invested in infrastructure to support our Advanced Functional Materials research group and, in recent years, in the existing electrochemical infrastructure for both laboratory-based and in-situ characterisation. The School provides free access to advanced vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR and micro-Raman), X -Ray diffraction instrumentation, thermal analysis (including evolved gas analysis with MS and FT-IR), and state-of-the-art 500 MHz NMR (including multinuclear and solid-state probes). The School also facilitates access to high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM), focussed ion-beam/SEM, and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (STEM)including dual EDX detectors and capable of BF/DF/HAADF.
About SLB:
SLB, a world's leading technology supplier to the energy industry, believes energy makes society progress. SLB explores new and better ways to drive energy storage. We invest in differentiated tech and strategic partnerships that will help power our future sustainably, reliably, and at scale. SCR is part of SLB's global network of research and engineering centres. SCR is a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art research and computing facilities.
For any informal enquiries and project details, please contact Dr Filipe Marques Mota at company website .
Funding Notes:
A tax-free stipend of ca. £18,622 p.a. for 3.5 years is provided alongside the payment of all University fees. Eligibility is restricted to UK citizens only.
Applications:
Applications including a covering letter and CV should be directly sent to company website with the subject title "PhD studentship Lincoln/SLB".
The University of Lincoln - PhD Studentship - Development of next-generation multivalent metal-sulphur batteries with high energy density
About the Project:
Applications are invited for outstanding candidates to join our PhD programme (3.5 years) between the School of Chemistry at University of Lincoln (supervised by Dr Filipe Marques Mota) and SLB Cambridge Research Limited (SCR) (supervised by Dr Julien Ramier). The PhD programme will have a balanced industry-academic focus on the development of next-generation electrochemical energy storage. Candidates are expected to start their position on January 1 st 2024, or as soon as possible after the intended date.
Who should apply?
Applicants must show excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to conduct self-motivated and high-performing research. They should have Honours or Master's Degree in chemistry or relevant areas of research. Motivated students with a background or interest in (electro)chemistry, materials science, and engineering are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to students with hands-on research experience and a record of research published in SCIE scientific journals. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed over Teams.
About the Project:
The development of conversion-type metal-sulphur (metal-S) batteries offers extended energy density ranges and a cost-effective solution against current cathode materials. Replacing Li with abundant multivalent metal anode counterparts (e.g., calcium and magnesium) is a promising yet unexplored strategy. In light of the unique metal-S electrochemistry, The PhD student will examine the reaction mechanism and solvation of polysulfide species taking place during discharge/recharge cycles of the assembled batteries. In addition, the technical challenges of metal anodes, including the dendritic nucleation and growth during metal plating, correlated side reactions, and the stabilization of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) will be investigated.
Supervisors:
Dr Filipe Marques Mota, University of Lincoln Dr Julien Ramier, SLB Cambridge Research Limited (SCR)
The School of Chemistry at Lincoln:
Founded in 2014 with a £6.8m grant, the School will also provide me with facile access to specialist facilities including the £23m Joseph Banks Laboratories ( company website ), The Bridge Advanced Engineering R&D Centre ( company website ), and the £28m Isaac Newton Building. The School has heavily invested in infrastructure to support our Advanced Functional Materials research group and, in recent years, in the existing electrochemical infrastructure for both laboratory-based and in-situ characterisation. The School provides free access to advanced vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR and micro-Raman), X -Ray diffraction instrumentation, thermal analysis (including evolved gas analysis with MS and FT-IR), and state-of-the-art 500 MHz NMR (including multinuclear and solid-state probes). The School also facilitates access to high-resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM), focussed ion-beam/SEM, and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (STEM)including dual EDX detectors and capable of BF/DF/HAADF.
About SLB:
SLB, a world's leading technology supplier to the energy industry, believes energy makes society progress. SLB explores new and better ways to drive energy storage. We invest in differentiated tech and strategic partnerships that will help power our future sustainably, reliably, and at scale. SCR is part of SLB's global network of research and engineering centres. SCR is a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art research and computing facilities.
For any informal enquiries and project details, please contact Dr Filipe Marques Mota at company website .
Funding Notes:
A tax-free stipend of ca. £18,622 p.a. for 3.5 years is provided alongside the payment of all University fees. Eligibility is restricted to UK citizens only.
Applications:
Applications including a covering letter and CV should be directly sent to company website with the subject title "PhD studentship Lincoln/SLB".