About the Project
Vacancy information
The Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL) and Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) at University College London (UCL) invite applications for a fully funded four-year PhD studentship supervised by Dr Alexander Kibler and Dr Marcello Sega. The project is affiliated with the Faraday Institution and will contribute to the development of next-generation lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technologies. The student will be responsible for discovering and testing new Li-S battery electrolyte molecules by using…
in-silico electrolyte modelling combined with modern synthetic methods and full-cell battery testing.
Studentship information
Lithium-sulfur batteries are widely recognised as one of the most promising technologies for future energy storage, offering significantly higher energy densities than conventional lithium-ion batteries while using more abundant and sustainable materials. Despite this promise, commercial deployment remains limited by poor cycle life and degradation processes associated with unstable electrode-electrolyte interfaces and sulfur species crossover.
This PhD project seeks to address these challenges through the development of a new generation of selectively fluorinated glycol-ether electrolytes. These novel molecules will be designed to simultaneously improve ionic transport, suppress polysulfide shuttling, and stabilise both electrode interfaces. The student will combine synthetic chemistry, advanced electrochemistry and machine-learning-enabled molecular modelling to understand and optimise electrolyte performance.
The project will explore how molecular structure influences electrolyte properties, develop synthetic routes to novel fluorinated solvents, and evaluate their performance in practical Li-S cells. Computational simulations based on state-of-the-art machine-learned interatomic potentials will guide electrolyte design and accelerate discovery. Promising formulations will be validated through long-term cycling, operando characterisation and post-mortem analysis.
Why This Research Matters
Li-S batteries are expected to play an important role in the electrification of sectors where exceptionally high energy density is required, including electric aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles and long-duration energy storage. Improving battery lifetime remains one of the key barriers to adoption. This project directly addresses these challenges through electrolyte innovation, a strategy that can be implemented with minimal disruption to existing battery manufacturing processes.
The project also aims to develop safer, LiNO₃-free electrolyte formulations and create new intellectual property around advanced battery materials, with potential impact extending beyond Li-S batteries to future Li-ion, sodium-sulfur and other emerging electrochemical technologies.
Training and Research Environment
This studentship offers training across chemistry, electrochemical engineering and computational science. The successful candidate will gain expertise in:
- Molecular and synthetic chemistry
- Battery fabrication and electrochemical testing
- Advanced electrochemical characterisation
- Operando and post-mortem battery analysis
- Computational chemistry and molecular dynamics simulation
- Machine-learned interatomic potentials for electrolyte design
- Scientific programming and data analysis
The student will be based within UCL's internationally recognised battery research community, spanning the Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL) and Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL) alongside the Molecular Thermodynamics Group. They will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, a large multidisciplinary research network, and opportunities to collaborate with researchers across the wider Faraday Institution community.
Funding
The studentship is fully funded for four years and includes tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. Support is also available for conference attendance, specialist training and research-related travel.
Person specification
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated student with a strong interest in energy storage technologies and scientific discovery. Applicants should be able to work independently and collaboratively and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class degree (or MSc) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics or a closely related discipline. Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous: Electrochemistry, Batteries and energy storage, Organic or synthetic chemistry, Materials characterisation, Computational chemistry, Molecular simulation or Scientific programming.
Eligibility
An upper second-class degree at the MEng or MSc level is required.
How to apply
Applicants should submit:
- CV
- Cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the project
- Academic transcripts
- Contact details for two referees
To apply, please send a Cover Letter and CV to APL-EIL Centre Manager Claire Saunders, claire.saunders@ucl.ac.uk. In addition, please submit an application to UCL through the admissions portal: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RRDCENSING01&code2=004
Please nominate Dr Alex Kibler as supervisor on the application form and include a statement of interest.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Alex Kibler at a.kibler@ucl.ac.uk.
For further information on the MPhil/PhD course as well as the recruitment and selection process, please click on the link below: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/study/mphilphd
Funding Notes
Stipend: c. £23,805 per annum + UK fees
Duration of Studentship: 4 years
Start date: October 2026
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