PhD Studentship: Materials Science, Chemical Engineering: Sustainable Bio-based Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Energy Storage Systems

Swansea University - Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering

The rapid advancements in emerging portable electronics, transportation (e.g., electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, autonomous aircraft, etc.), and smart grid-scale energy storage have stimulated the ever-growing demand for high-energy-density, highly safe, and low-cost energy storage systems. Nevertheless, the continuous large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is constrained by their soaring cost considering the shortage and uneven distribution of lithium resources, which is often also associated with poor environmental and human rights records, prompting the replacement of conventional LIBs with low-cost, sustainable next-generation battery systems.

As a prime alternative to costly and non-biodegradable materials (e.g., CNTs and graphene), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based, sustainable structural nanomaterials with the additional merits of large-scale availability at a relatively low cost, conjointly with being extracted from the most abundant resource (i.e., cellulose) and possessing high tensile moduli in the range of 110-220 GPa.

Accordingly, it is imperative to fabricate “Sustainable Bio-based Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Low-Cost Energy Storage Technologies” with aqueous and non-aqueous energy systems for the large-scale practical commercialisation. In this project, we aim to design the unique structures of sustainable bio-based nanomaterials via advanced technologies for tailoring the electrochemical performances and structural properties to enhance the long-term cycling stability, energy-density and power-density and overall safety of next-generation emerging batteries systems for the realisation of low-cost, high-energy-density, highly safe next-generation energy storage systems.

This project involves collaborations with leading experts and valuable access to world-class equipment at the University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and Imperial College London. The successful applicant will join the “Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute” and “Sustainable Multifunctional Nanocellulose” Group, which offers opportunities to interface prestigious scholars and expand your academic network.

The successful candidate will also join CAPTURE (Circular Approaches To Utilise and Retain Energy), a Centre of Expertise at Swansea University, established in 2020 to lead innovative solutions for the global energy transition.

At CAPTURE, you’ll benefit from:

• State-of-the-art laboratories and world-class expertise in materials science, battery technologies, and sustainable manufacturing.
• Direct collaboration with Leaf Tech Ltd and other key industry partners, providing valuable exposure to industrial-scale challenges and hands-on application of your research. (Internship is also provided depending on the progress of project)
• A strong foundation in technical, analytical, and research skills, enhancing your career prospects in academia, R&D, and the growing clean energy sector.
• Opportunities to present your work at international conferences, engage with industry stakeholders, and contribute to high-impact publications.

Beyond battery innovation, this research has far-reaching implications for sustainable materials design, low-carbon manufacturing, and the broader field of energy storage systems.

Consequently, the fundamental science and commercialisation promise of this “Sustainable Bio-based Nanomaterials for Next-Generation Energy Storage Systems” project combined with our joint endeavours will foster academic and industrial partnerships, contributing to the realisation of Swansea University’s Sustainable Top 30 ambition, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UK’s Net-Zero 2050 Commitment.

N.B. Passionate candidates for Sustainability, Electrochemistry, Renewable Energy Storage, Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Science Engineering, Composites Science and Engineering are welcomed and encouraged for this application.