PhD Studentship: Development of High Energy Density Li-Sulfur Batteries

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship 

Project: in Development of High Energy Density Li-Sulfur Batteries

Supervisors: Prof Paul Shearing

Next generation Li-sulfur batteries offer the pathway to ultra lightweight, high performance batteries. Comprising fewer critical materials than Li-ion counterparts, they also offer significant sustainability benefits. However, further improvements to their lifetime performance, operational temperature window and durability are required.

One solution to maximising performance lies in the emerging ‘Quasi Solid State’ (or QSS) Li-sulfur architecture. In this project, aligned with The Faraday Institution’s LiStAr programme, we will explore the development and optimization of QSS cells, including physical characterisation of degradation pathways at the anode and cathode through the application of advanced imaging tools, including X-ray tomography.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded by The Dept of Engineering Science and is associated with the Faraday Institution LiStAr project. The studentship is open to Home students (full award – home fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for Home students c. £10,470 p.a. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is c. £21,805 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half years.

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills
• Evidence of experimental research skills

The following skills are desirable but not essential:

• Familiarity with modelling tools including Matlab
• Experience of materials characterisation tools
• Published academic work

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Prof Paul Shearing c/o Charlotte Brooks charlotte.brooks@eng.ox.ac.uk

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria. To apply please visit the appropriate course page on the following University website: Courses open for studentships | Oxford University

Please quote 26ENGCH_PS in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 3 July 2026

Start date: October 2026

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