PhD Studentship: Advancing solid-state battery electrolyte manufacturing with terahertz spectroscopy

Advancing solid-state battery electrolyte manufacturing with terahertz spectroscopy

This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work with a dynamic, fast-growing battery manufacturer. Solid-state electrolytes are key to safer, higher-performance batteries, but understanding and inspecting their microstructural homogeneity and conduction in product-scale electrolytes remains challenging. The project will develop terahertz spectroscopy to advance materials insight and quality control for next-generation energy technologies.

The project:

Solid-state electrolytes are attracting growing interest for next-generation solid-state batteries due to their improved thermal stability, reduced flammability, enhanced durability, and potential for higher energy density. However, manufacturing high-performance electrolytes remains challenging, as their microstructures must be carefully controlled and optimised to ensure good electrochemical performance, mechanical integrity, and impermeability. This challenge is compounded by the lack of rapid inspection methods capable of assessing microstructural homogeneity, which is increasingly important for product-scale electrolytes.

The PhD candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research team working at the interface of metrology, battery materials, and ceramic processing. Building on our previous demonstrations [1], this project will begin with the fabrication and characterisation of conventional electrolyte materials using emerging terahertz spectroscopy. The work will then progress to developing the technique further for measurements on product-scale electrolytes. In the later stages of the project, thermal control will be integrated to probe intrinsic conduction behaviour and link this to longer length-scale conductions, establishing a unified framework connecting microstructure and transport mechanisms.

In close collaboration with LiNa Energy, this project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to innovations in solid-state battery manufacturing, advanced metrology, and quality control for next-generation energy storage devices.
[1] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234050

Scholarship:

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £21,805, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study.

Eligibility:

This studentship is available to home students only.

The candidate should have a good 2.1 Bachelors, or Masters degree in Electronic, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Physical Sciences or equivalent.

Experience in more than one of the following topics will be a plus:

• Working knowledge of MATLAB/Python and signals processing
• Understanding of electromagnetics
• Genuine interest in battery technologies
• Experience with CAD and mechanical design

How to apply:

Candidates should submit an expression of interest by sending a CV and supporting statement outlining their skills and interests in this research area by clicking the 'Apply' button above. If this initial application is successful, we will invite you to submit a formal application.

Candidates must fulfil the University of Warwick entry criteria and obtain an unconditional offer before commencing enrolment.

Should your application for admission be accepted, you should be aware that notification of acceptance for the PhD does not constitute an offer of financial support. Successful scholarship candidates will receive an official communication from the School of Engineering to confirm their award

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