Electrode Architectures Design and Manufacturing for Next-Generation Lithium-ion batteries (Ref: AAE-PZ-2602)

About the Project

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a cornerstone technology for the electrification of transportation and for achieving Net Zero targets. Despite their widespread adoption, current LIBs struggle to meet the ever-increasing performance demands of modern electric vehicles, particularly in terms of driving range, charging speed, and cycling stability. These limitations are primarily due to the inefficient lithium-ion transport between electrodes, stemming from outdated electrode architectural design.

This PhD project aims to address these challenges by designing, engineering, and manufacturing innovative electrode architectures that enhance lithiumion transport and significantly improve overall LIB performance. The research will employ state-of-the-art manufacturing approaches, including highprecision laser structuring, additive manufacturing, and micro-/nanoimprinting, alongside advanced materials characterisation techniques, such as X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and Plasma Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (PFIB-SEM). The outcomes will provide fundamental insights into ionic transport mechanisms within LIB electrodes and are expected to lead to high-quality academic publications. Furthermore, the project will explore alternative manufacturing strategies that address industrial needs for next-generation LIBs manufacturing and production. The successful PhD researcher will join the Sustainable Energy Research Group and benefit from supervision by a holder of a prestigious EPSRC Fellowship. They will have full access to cutting-edge facilities, including advanced battery fabrication and testing laboratories and the world-leading Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre (LMCC). The candidate will also work closely with researchers from partner institutions, including Oxford, Birmingham, and Queen Mary University, as well as with industrial collaborators worldwide.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Pengcheng Zhu P.P.Zhu@lboro.ac.uk
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/people/pengcheng-zhu/

Entry requirements:
Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in Materials Science, Engineering or a related discipline.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: Yes

Closing date of advert: 1st July 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to Apply:

• Stage 1: You are strongly advised to contact Pengcheng Zhu in the first instance on P.P.Zhu@lboro.ac.uk with a CV, academic transcripts, a reference letter, and confirmation of funding source. Informal discussions are also welcome.
• Stage 2: Following discussion with Pengcheng Zhu, applicants will be invited to make a formal application at online. Under programme name, select ‘Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering’ and quote the advert reference number AAE-PZ-2602 in your application

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Project search terms:
automotive engineering, energy technologies, manufacturing engineering, materials science

Email Address AACME:
aacme.pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk