Hybrid Batteries for High Power Energy Storage (Coventry University starting)
Eligibility: UK/International (including EU) graduates with the required entry requirements
Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term
Application deadline: 29 April 2024
Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates
Start date: September 2024
For further details contact: Alexander Roberts
Introduction
This is an exciting opportunity to study a PhD as part of a cotutelle arrangement between Coventry University, UK and Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. The PhD Student will graduate with two PhDs, one from Deakin University and one from Coventry University, each of which recognises that the program was carried out as part of a jointly supervised doctoral program.
There are two fully funded Studentships available with a stipend.The successful applicant will spend the 1st year at Coventry University and the following year at Deakin University and then the final 1.5 years at Coventry University.
Project details
Global efforts to mitigate and limit the impact of climate change necessitate the development of new and improved energy storage technologies for a wide range of applications, with a wide range of performance requirements. Current battery technologies are typically designed for either power or energy, with a trade off between the two metrics always seen. Increasingly, applications now require higher power capabilities whilst maintaining energy meaning new innovations and cell designs and chemistries will be needed to fulfil these demands.
This project will aim to develop a new type of battery hybrid device, utilising various battery and supercapacitor materials and hybridising at the electrode level. Through optimisation of factors and components such as anode and cathode active materials, formulations and additives, electrolytes and understanding of cell electrochemistry, the project will move from the small lab scale through to full demonstrator prototype devices.
The project offers a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding across all aspects of device development, from materials, formulation, characterisation and electrochemistry through to prototype development and manufacture, all invaluable in the rapidly growing battery industry.
Funding
Tuition fees and bursary
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.
All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.
Candidate specification
Applicants must meet the admission and scholarship criteria for both Coventry University and Deakin University for entry to the cotutelle programme.
- Applicants should have graduated within the top 15% of their undergraduate cohort. This might include a high 2:1 in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 70% mark (80% for Australian graduates) in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 70% overall module average (80% for Australian graduates).
- A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field requiring at least four years of full-time study, and which normally includes a research component which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study in the fourth year, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a H1 standard or 80%
OR
- A Masters degree, with a significant research component, in a relevant subject area, with overall mark at minimum Distinction.
• In addition, the mark for the Masters thesis (or equivalent) must be a minimum of 80%. - Please note that where a candidate has 70-79% and can provide evidence of research experience to meet equivalency to the minimum first-class honours equivalent (80%+) additional evidence can be submitted and may include independently peer-reviewed publications, research-related awards or prizes and/or professional reports.
- Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study
How to apply
To find out more about the project, please contact Professor Alexander Roberts
All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.
Apply to Coventry University
