Funding

Funded (UK/EU students only)

Project code

SMDE8390723

Start dates

October 2023

Application deadline

31 July 2023

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three year PhD to commence in October 2023. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Technology, and be supervised by Dr Andres Galvis, Dr Jamie Foster  and Dr Andrea Bucchi.

Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£18,622 for 2023/24). Bursary recipients will also receive a £1,500 p.a. for project costs/consumables. The bursary is open to UK and EU students only. 

 

The work on this project could involve:

  • Development and implementation of a chemo-mechanical model of Li-ion batteries. 
  • Prediction of battery degradation caused by mechanical failure, driven by cycling operation. 
  • Identification of novel methods for manufacturing more robust batteries with enhanced lifetime. 
  • Ultimately this will drive down the cost of electric vehicles, increasing their rate of adoption.

 

Renewable sources of energy are necessary for breaking the dependency of unfriendly energy generation. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) play a role in these developments, where investigations on energy storage materials demand other studies e.g. extending the life of LIBs. Mathematical modelling and simulation of LIBs are relevant for identifying strategies to manufacture longer-lasting devices which are sorely needed as we trying to achieve the Road to Zero targets. LIBs are very complex and hierarchical devices constituted by electrode (cathode/anode) composites and electrolyte fluid. Operation time and ageing cause several chemical and mechanical degradation scenarios. Commonly, the cathode is composed of a matrix of a porous-viscoelastic binder and particles of active material that can be analysed from multiple points of view throughout the length-scales like the nano- and macroscopic levels. The main development of this project will be a computational framework to test and validate models of Li-ion battery chemomechanical behaviour. The analysis will require the equations of electrochemistry couple to the solid mechanics formulation, which will result in a non-linear battery chemo-mechanical modelling. The challenge to be tackled comprehend different failure mechanisms in the cathode and anode composites.

 

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

You’ll need to have good programming (c/c++) skills and a background in continuum solid mechanics. Familiarity with the electrochemistry of, and existing models for, lithium-ion batteries would be a plus. You should have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare presentations, reports, and journal papers to the highest levels of quality.

 

 

 

 

 

How to apply

We encourage you to contact Dr Andres Galvis (andres.galvis@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code SMDE8390723 when applying.