Development of Advanced Materials for Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors in Fusion Energy Systems

About the Project

Fusion energy offers a pathway to low-carbon electricity generation, but its deployment depends on the development of electronic systems capable of operating reliably in demanding environments. Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are widely used components in power electronics, sensing systems, and control circuits. However, current MLCC technologies are not fully suited to the temperature ranges, radiation exposure, and electrical conditions (e.g. demands for pulsed power and energy storage) expected in fusion energy systems, such as the UK Fusion Energy Ltd STEP powerplant.

This project will focus on the engineering and development of new oxide-based ceramic materials and device architectures for MLCCs intended for use in fusion technologies. The aim is to improve performance, reliability, and operational lifetime under conditions relevant to fusion reactors, including both the service environment and the application demands. The work will involve the design and fabrication of dielectric materials, integration into capacitor structures, and evaluation of electrical behaviour under representative operating conditions. The research will take an engineering-led approach in partnership with KAVX, linking materials development with device design, manufacturing processes, and system-level requirements.

The student will investigate how material composition and microstructure influence capacitor performance, including capacitance stability, dielectric losses, and degradation mechanisms. Experimental work will be complemented by modelling and simulation (i.e. finite element and/or atomistic, as appropriate) to inform design choices and optimise device performance.

The project will also consider manufacturability and scalability, ensuring that proposed solutions are compatible with existing fabrication techniques used in the electronics industry. Collaboration with academic and industrial partners will provide insight into real-world constraints and application needs.

Project Aims

• To design and develop dielectric materials suitable for MLCC operation in fusion environments
• To understand the relationship between material properties, device structure, and electrical performance
• To evaluate reliability and degradation mechanisms under thermal, electrical, and radiation-related conditions

This project sits at the interface of electronic engineering and materials engineering, with a focus on translating material innovations into functional capacitor technologies for future fusion energy systems. Training in all aspects of the project will be provided.

In carrying out the work, you will also be part of the UKAEA Fusion Engineering CDT, and, along with your cohort of other doctoral students from universities across the UK, will receive training on cutting edge topics in fusion energy from academic and industry experts in fusion energy. The 3-month CDT fusion engineering training programme is delivered at 4 leading Russell Group research universities - the University of Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham, and hence you will be funded to travel to these universities to receive training across the fusion energy topic. The CDT training programme is detailed at the CDT website https://www.fusion-engineering-cdt.ac.uk/training-fusioneers/programme/

The project will be co-supervised by KAVX, and you will also have the opportunity to spend time at their facilities.

Apply for this project at The University of Sheffield here. Select the option for 'UKAEA EngD in Fusion Engineering 2026/27'.

For further information about the project please contact the supervisor at j.dean@sheffield.ac.uk.