Smart batteries: integrated multi-dimensional external and implantable sensing for battery lifecycle monitoring

​​​​The safety, durability, and power density of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently inadequate to satisfy the continuously growing demand of the emerging battery markets. A reliable battery management system (BMS) is critical to fulfil the expectations on the reliability, efficiency and longevity of LIBs systems. The lifecycle management of LIBs highly rely on the accurate monitoring of battery state and cell parameters (e.g., temperature, voltage, current, impedance, stress, gas generation, etc.). Mitigating thermal runaway (TR) has been regarded as the primary important task for the safe operation of LIBs. Up to now, the thermal management of LIBs rely on the external temperature sensor to detect the cell temperature at device level. However, this delayed temperature sensing fails to provide local, early, and accurate warning of TR process especially for the LIBs with larger size. Meanwhile, the temperature distribution exhibits significant ununiform temperature gradient for different components of batteries (e.g., tabs, electrodes, current collectors, etc.). Unfortunately, limited efforts have been devoted to developing distributed temperature sensors for the large-areal and synchronous temperature measurement. Furthermore, additional thermal-coupled stress will be produced during battery operation under elevated operating temperature, which will lead to distinct morphologic and structural change yet lack in-depth understanding and monitoring. Consequently, many of the reported simulation algorithms in BMS which only base on the external temperature sensing cannot provide admirable battery management.    

​​To address the above issues, the successful candidate will undertake a project to develop integrated sensing framework to real-time monitor the battery status and provide deep insights into the battery degradation analysis. The PhD researcher will have the opportunity to work with a team with wide expertise in nanofabrication technologies, electrochemistry, materials characterisation, energy storage and conversion devices.​

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 Advanced Technology Institute PhD programme.

Applicants should have a minimum of the following qualification, a First-Class Honours or upper Second-Class Honours or MSc degree or MEng in the physical sciences or engineering.