New Membrane Electrolyte for Flexible Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries

About the Project
Flexible batteries are urgently needed for energy storage and portable devices. This project will solve the challenge in renewable energy storage, reduce carbon emission, and support Zero-Carbon Economy.

Lithium-ion batteries are expensive, toxic, highly flammable, consuming globally scarce resources and hard to recycle. Aqueous batteries are safe, cost-effective, environmentally benign and easier to assemble/recycle. Zinc-based aqueous batteries are particularly interesting: Zinc is abundant, stable with high theoretical energy density. Currently, high energy densities cannot be achieved because decomposition of the water in the electrolyte limits operation to a narrow voltage range (< 1.5 V). Recent advances in new electrolytes for new Zinc ion batteries provided an extended voltage window up to 2.1 V, but unfortunately, the required electrolyte is very expensive. This project will develop hydrogel-electrolytes with wider voltage window, lower cost, and higher mechanical strength, to increase battery safety and energy density, enabling higher battery capacity and/or reduced weight and volume. This project will lay the groundwork for further research and commercialisation of stronger, safer, lighter, higher capacity batteries. 

Training and Development
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. 

Entry criteria for applicants to PHD 

·      A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average. 

PLUS 

the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years

·      a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

How to apply
To find out more about the project please contact Dr Rong Lan [email protected]

To apply on line please visit: https://pgrplus.coventry.ac.uk/ 

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.