PhD scholarship in energy storage and conversion

PhD scholarship in energy storage and conversion

The project envisages delving into interdisciplinary research in energy materials, electrochemistry and battery technology. This research will investigate the sodium and sulfur redox reaction mechanism through the combination of cutting-edge in situ experiments and computational investigations.

Knowledge outcomes will inform the rational design and optimisation of the electrocatalysts to solve the sodium polysulphides (NaPSs) shuttle effect, relieve the sluggish reaction kinetics, and even out the plating and stripping at the Na metal anode to eliminate the formation of Na metal dendrites.

Owing to the low cost, abundant reservation of sodium and sulfur elements, room temperature sodium sulfur batteries (RT-NaSBs) are a promising next generation energy storage system. Moreover, NaSBs, based on the multielectron reactions between sulfur cathodes and sodiummetal anodes, deliver a high theoretical specific capacity and energy density (1675 mA h g-1 and 1274 Wh kg-1), three-times higher than conventional lithium ion batteries. However, the Na-S also faces practical challenges that the sulfur reduction intermediates produced during the discharge processes, called sodium polysulfides (NaPSs), can dissolve within the electrolyte, through the separator, to reach the anode, causing the "shuttle effect", seriously deteriorating capacity retention and resulting in severe metallic sodium corrosion.

This project aims to investigate the sulfur redox reaction mechanism through the combination of cutting-edge in situ experiments and computational investigations. Knowledge outcomes will inform the rational design and optimisation of the electrocatalysts to solve the NaPSs shuttle effect, relieve the sluggish reaction kinetics, and even out the plating and stripping at the Na metal anode to eliminate the formation of Na metal dendrites.

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$35,886 per annum.

Applications are now open.

25/03/2027

1 (one)

  • a degree of Master by Research in the Science and Engineering is preferred.
  • the candidate needs to have the material characterization experience, including the molecules vibration measurements (Raman and FTIR), X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy experiences. 
  • the candidate should also have the electrochemical measurements experience, such as operation of the electrochemical workstation and batteries cycling testers. 
  • the candidate should also have the ability to use the Python and COMSOL.
  • read the terms and conditions associated with applying for, and receiving a HDR Scholarship at RMIT

Please send your CV and cover letter to Dawei Su, dawei.su@rmit.edu.au.

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