PhD Studentship: Reconstruction of the Solid-Electrolyte-Interphases for Sodium-Ion-Batteries (RePatina)

We invite applications for a fully funded joint PhD studentship between the University of Birmingham (UK) and BAM (Germany), starting in September/October 2025. The project will address critical challenges in the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) through the fundamental understanding and engineering of solid-electrolyte interphases (SEI) on hard carbon anodes.

Sodium-ion batteries are promising sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion systems, leveraging abundant, low-cost materials (Na, Fe, Al, biomass-derived carbon). However, a major bottleneck is the instability of the SEI formed during initial cycling, which affects safety, longevity, and overall performance. The “RePatina” project will reconstruct and engineer the SEI layer using a combination of operando diagnostics, surface chemistry, and advanced characterisation techniques.

The student will explore how formation protocols and electrode surface modifications impact SEI formation and stability. Electrochemical testing (GITT, EIS), operando sensing, and ageing tests will be conducted at UoB. At BAM, detailed post-mortem characterisation—including SEM, XPS, ToF-SIMS, Auger, and calorimetry—will reconstruct SEI composition, porosity, and degradation pathways.

The project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Emma Kendrick (UoB), Dr. Tim-Patrick Fellinger (BAM), and supporting investigators. The student will split their time between both institutions (ca. 50:50). Hands-on experience will span battery manufacturing, electrochemical analysis, nanoparticle synthesis, surface chemistry, and safety testing (e.g., ARC).

Funding notes:

The candidate will have or expect at least a II(i) Undergraduate honours degree or Masters degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or related discipline. A background in materials or electrochemistry or characterisation would be advantageous. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, is only available to UK nationals and it will cover tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.

Contact for further Information: Informal inquiries may be made to Prof Emma Kendrick (e.kendrick@bham.ac.uk). Applications must be made through the university’s online application system via the above ‘Apply’ button. Please provide a cover letter summarising your research interests and suitability for the position; the contact details of two people able to provide a letter of reference; and a full curriculum vitae. Please also send a copy of your full application directly to Prof Kendrick.

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