Research Fellow - Next generation lithium-sulfur batteries with record energy density

Research Fellow - Next generation lithium-sulfur batteries with record energy densityElectrochemistry, University of Southampton

Deadline:
10 March 2025

Position Details:
Location: Highfield Campus
Salary: £35,880 to £39,105 per annum
Full-time Fixed-term until 31st March 2027
Closing Date: Monday 10th March 2025
Reference: 2994825EB

Ultralightweight batteries able to deliver high energy are needed for a growing number of applications, including their use in solar-powered high-altitude drones for communications and remote sensing, for which the energy density of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries is insufficient.

Smartly designed lithium-sulfur batteries can deliver record energy densities of >400 Wh/kg, but their longevity and power capability are limited. Our recent work within the LiSTAR project has led to the discovery of new electrolytes capable of overcoming these limitations. This post will investigate their application into battery prototypes with commercial materials, in collaboration with OXLiD/Gelion, as well as elucidating the root causes of the performance improvements.

A full range of world-class facilities (correlative Raman, SEM and EDX microscopy, X-ray diffraction, NMR, mass spectrometry, and fully equipped battery research laboratories) will be available for the project, with further capabilities provided by our project partners.

This post is suitable for chemists or materials scientists with a PhD (awarded or imminent) in chemistry, materials science, or a closely related discipline or equivalent qualification and experience, and a strong background in electrochemistry and/or analytical techniques.

Although the current funding for this vacancy is for 2 years, we expect to be able to extend the contract further, at a later stage, with additional funding from the Faraday Institution. There is flexibility about the start date.

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Prof. Nuria Garcia-Araez.

Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon completion of PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded, the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

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