Sustainable responsive gel electrolytes for next generation energy storage solutions

Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence

This studentship is supported by the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence. AIME is a unique, interdisciplinary, intersectoral research and training hub for translational membrane science. AIME is a globally unique, cross-disciplinary institute to develop novel membranes for use in applications as varied as drug discovery and water purification. The team behind AIME believes that the full potential of membranes will only be realised by a research team spanning biology, physics and chemistry that can investigate membranes holistically. No other institute has the platform, potential or promise for major breakthroughs in this area. The vision is for AIME to become a ‘one-stop shop’ for interdisciplinary, translational membrane research through access to its facilities and expertise, ideally located in the heart of the UK.

Details of the Project

Overview and Background

Energy usage accounts for ~23% of global greenhouse gas emissions & our energy consumption is rising astronomically.[1] Despite advances, renewable energy accounts for only ~16% of our energy consumption [2], and will account for only ~20% by 2040 [3]. This must change if we are to meet the UK government’s 2050 net-zero target. A key aim of this project is to create new solutions for sustainable energy storage by developing novel gel electrolytes underpinned by sustainability design principles, which will be demonstrated by applying new materials in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. Existing energy storage devices typically employ flammable solvents & fossil fuel-derived materials with poor thermal & chemical stability.

Research Objectives and Methods

 The over-arching aim of this research project is to create responsive electrolyte materials for energy storage devices (e.g. lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors) that are safe, reliable, sustainable and commercially relevant. You will develop novel sustainable synthesis protocols to prepare stimulus-responsive hybrid ionic liquid-polymer gel electrolytes. Advancing on previous work in our group [4] and the state-of-the-art in gel electrolyte technology, this work will utilise advanced synthetic polymer chemistry and colloid science to produce facile responsive gel electrolytes from commercial non-fluorinated ILs with significantly enhanced properties and true “green” credentials.

References

[1] Ritchie, Energy Production and Consumption, 2022

[2] BP, Statistical Review of World Energy, 2021

[3] IEA, World Energy Outlook, 2022

[4] Maitland et al., Chemical Science, 2024, 15, 4116

This PhD project is linked to an EPSRC-funded project that aims to develop a new family of sustainable responsive gel electrolyte materials for energy storage applications. Enhancing our ability to store renewable energy is vital to eliminate our reliance on fossil fuels and thus achieve net-zero targets. The selected candidate will undergo training to conduct laboratory-based polymer synthesis using advanced controlled polymerisation techniques and to use state-of-the-art equipment to characterise the materials generated. Specifically, this project will utilise green chemistry principles to design and synthesise block copolymers that self-assemble in the presence of ionic liquids to generate sustainable responsive gel electrolyte materials. Detailed characterisation of these materials will be used to assess their suitability as recyclable gel electrolyte materials for battery and supercapacitor applications.

Person Specification

The successful applicant should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, a Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution) in a relevant subject. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of polymer synthesis, purification and characterisation.

We would particularly like to encourage applications from women seeking to progress their academic careers. Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognised recently by a prestigious Silver Award to EPS, and we pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly and supportive working environment and family atmosphere.

Overseas Applicants

Overseas students are welcome to apply for this position.

Contact information

For formal enquiries about this project contact Matthew Derry at [email protected]

Submitting an application

 We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include:

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count.
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary.
5. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage.
6. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Apply for this position here

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Please select “Research – Engineering Systems” from the application form options.

 If you require further information about the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at [email protected]