Research Studentship in Advanced Battery Materials: High Energy Density, Low-cost, Iron-based Battery Cathodes

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship 

Supervisors: Prof Robert House, Prof Peter Nellist

Li-rich disordered cathodes offer a promising route towards Li-ion batteries with improved energy and power density. Local ordering can improve the Li+ diffusion network, leading to significant improvements in fast charge/discharge performance, but little is known about how to control it.

Electron diffraction and electron imaging are two of the few tools sensitive to the local structure; the unique cation configurations that constitute SRO give rise to characteristic diffusion scattering patterns and the differences in atomic number can be directly imaged.

This project seeks to understand how to manipulate local ordering using targeted synthesis, processing methods, advanced electron microscopy and other characterisation tools. Ultimately, we will relate these materials properties to the electrochemical performance of these materials as fast charging, high energy density cathode for Li-ion batteries.

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the ZERO Institute and is open to Home or/and overseas students (full award – home fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the applicable Home or Overseas rate. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is the UKRI minimum stipend for the first year, and at least this amount for a further three 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 degree with honours (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry or Engineering.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills.
• Evidence of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to develop original research ideas.
• Strong academic references providing evidence of the applicant's capability to undertake doctoral-level research.

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Professor Robert House (robert.house@materials.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 University website via the above 'Apply' button.

Application deadline: noon on 3 July 2026

Start date: October 2026

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