PhD in Mechanical and Systems Engineering: Manufacturing of the Next Generation All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Award Summary

100% home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate).  

Overview

Are you interested to research how to make next generation rechargeable batteries? Rechargeable batteries are the key energy storage devices for electrification of transportation such as automotives, rail, and aviation, as well as stationary energy storage for electricity generated from renewable sources including wind and solar. Rechargeable batteries are essential building blocks to realize Net Zero emissions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with strong skills in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering to manufacture and test prototypes of lithium-sulfur all-solid-state batteries (Li-S ASSBs) that have non-flammable solid-state electrolytes and earth-abundant material as cathode to replate cobalt, nickel, and manganese containing cathode materials in commercial Li-ion batteries, and use sustainable manufacturing technologies that are environmental friendly and energy saving.

The PhD candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team across mechanical engineering and chemical engineering at Newcastle University and be able to learn different transferable research skills and hands-on experimental skills. If you are interested in Battery Research and willing to learn and research with us, you are welcome to apply.

Some Background: Northeast is UK’s battery manufacturing centre, the home of the UK’s first gigafactory plus strong chemical sectors. Newcastle University-led Institute of Electrification and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing will support training and skills development of the fields of power electronics, machines and drives. Faraday Battery Challenge has appointed Newcastle University to receive £1.3m in funding to support the North East's battery manufacturing and innovation sector and skills development. This is a great opportunity to conduct Battery Research in Newcastle. 

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

16th September 2024

Award Duration

3.5 years (3 years of fees + 3.5 years of stipend)

Application Closing Date

15th May 2024

Sponsor

Tony Trapp Endowment Fund

Supervisors

Dr. Chuan Cheng

Prof. Mohamed Mamlouk

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant STEM subject, inc. Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, etc.).  

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

This studentship is open to Home (UK) students only. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8090F
• Research Area: Mechanical and Systems Engineering
• Select ‘PhD Mechanical Engineering (full time)' as the programme of study  

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• The studentship code ENG139 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• When prompted regarding your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.  

Contact Details

Dr. Chuan Cheng Email: Chuan.Cheng@newcastle.ac.uk

Advert information