PhD Studentship in Energy Storage and Electrochemistry

Funding is available for a PhD in the field of energy storage and electrochemistry.  It is suitable for students interested in experimental physical chemistry and synthetic chemistry.  The project will focus on the development of new redox flow battery chemistries for large-scale renewable energy storage.

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are an emerging technology for medium to large-scale energy storage, yet they are largely underdeveloped and presently well overpriced. RFBs are simple rechargeable electrochemical systems that employ solutions of redox materials that flow through an electrochemical stack to charge and discharge, but are then stored in separate tanks. The technology therefore decouples power generation from energy storage capacity, providing a uniquely flexible system.  Commercial systems are typically all-vanadium (VRB) due to the 4 stable oxidation states of the metal ion in acidic solutions and therefore offering the possibility to use a single metal species. However, the rising cost of vanadium means that the capital cost of energy storage in a VRB is rendering the technology a non-viable long-term option. Alternative mixed metal systems are plagued with other issues, particularly self-discharge due to metal ion crossover.

Scientific investigation that targets fundamental materials and transport processes is therefore crucial to the development of this important field. This project will design, study, and implement novel redox mediators based on organic and metal-organic compounds, with a view to designing sustainable, low-cost, large capacity storage systems. The PhD project offers the candidate the opportunity to study fundamental electrochemical processes, undertake new material synthesis, and oversee the design and fabrication of lab scale redox flow batteries implementing the new redox materials. It is a multidisciplinary project that will engage the student in various aspects of the physical sciences, using the wide range of state-of-the-art characterization and analytical equipment available at Chemistry Lancaster.

The recently established Department of Chemistry at Lancaster is developing into an outstanding environment for research and teaching. In the 2014 REF result, the Department was ranked 10th in the UK for research output quality, with 94% considered world leading and internationally significant. An investment of over £26 million from the University in new laboratories, instrumentation and equipment underpins the new development. We have also recently been awarded a significant European Regional Development Fund grant for the development of industry-based research based in the Department, to the value of £11 million. Research will be conducted in new, custom-designed research laboratories, with access to state-of-the-art equipment. See www.lancaster.ac.uk/chemistry for more details.

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a 1st class or good 2:1 Masters-level degree or equivalent in Chemistry. The studentship will cover fees at the UK/EU rate plus the standard maintenance stipend (£13,863 for 2014/15). Informal email enquires prior to making an application are strongly encouraged; contact k.toghill@lancaster.ac.uk. Applications should be made via Lancaster University’s online application system (see http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/how-to-apply-for-postgraduate-study/ for details).