Operando Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

About the Project

As part of new ERC Starting Grant funded by UKRI Horizon Europe guarantee focused on development of operando electrochemical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to be employed to study the fundamental processes that lead to battery degradation as well as study of electron beam damage products in nonaqueous battery electrolytes during cycling. The goal of both of these sub-projects is to make transformative advances in battery development by using the unique direct visualisation capabilities of the STEM to directly identify and quantify the key electrochemical processes dominating the performance of energy storage systems. Such observations will directly verify simulations and modelling while providing key signatures that can be identified in other characterisation methods. During the first year will be focused on training and in-depth understanding of the subject. In the consecutive years you will be performing independent research working with Li-ion and beyond Li-ion batteries and study their degradation mechanism. Final year will be dedicated to thesis and independent research.

The output of your work will be communicated through presentation and participation in the nation and international scientific meeting, as well as publications and collaborations.

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form to apply for a PhD in Materials Engineering

Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number ENGMDM001 when applying.

We want all of our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Funding Notes

This UKRI funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees (for 2025-26 this is £5,006 pa.) and pay a maintenance grant for 3.5 years, at the UKRI standard rates (for 2025-26 this is £20,780 pa.) The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

UKRI Studentships are available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. While UKRI funding will not cover international fees, a limited number of scholarships to meet the fee difference will be available to outstanding international students.