Aqueous sodium ion batteries

​​The storage of electrical energy is the key challenge preventing full adoption of renewable energy sources and electrification of transportation. Therefore, the pursuit of new battery technology is crucial for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.​ 

​​The storage of electrical energy is the key challenge preventing full adoption of renewable energy sources and electrification of transportation. Therefore, the pursuit of new battery technology is crucial for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The lithium ion battery has enabled the portable device revolution and the advent of electric vehicles, and has begun to be applied to static use such as domestic solar storage or power grids. Though incumbent, this technology is far from ideal, raising concerns about the sustainability of its chemistry and safety of operation. 

​Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) offer a solution to the sustainability issues associated with lithium, due to its far greater earth abundance. Sodium precursors can be made using sea water rather than extraction from Salar brine salts, requiring 10,000 tonnes of water per one tonne of lithium. Greater concerns have been raised over the supply of refined lithium and critical elements of nickel and cobalt, crucial for lithium ion cathodes. Although SIBs offer greater sustainability the safety issues remain, the build up of sodium metal with flammable organic electrolytes give high risk of fire. The solution is to combine SIB technology with water based electrolytes, preventing the risk of combustion. In this project the candidate will be developing new anode materials for aqueous sodium ion batteries to yield high voltage and high capacity output. A key to this will be passivating the surface of these electrodes against hydrogen evolution preventing the breakdown of water. This will allow these new batteries to operate at voltages comparable to lithium ion batteries and therefore yield comparable energy density. This technology presents the next generation of batteries that are earth abundant, sustainable, and safe. 

​This studentship is funded by the school of chemistry and chemical engineering, aiming to advance our understanding of aqueous sodium ion batteries and bring them to commercial exploitation. This technology has the targeted application of domestic and grid storage, providing adaptable storage of renewable energy, bringing us closer to net zero carbon emissions.

Open to both UK and international candidates.

Up to 30% of our UKRI-funded studentships can be awarded to candidates paying international rate fees. Find out more about eligibility.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Chemistry PhD programme.

​​We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated candidate who holds a master degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely-related discipline. The candidate should be a good team player and can engage in collaboration with good oral and written communication skills. Previous experience in energy materials is desirable but not necessary.