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ICL

IC-3-5 Molecular engineering of ion-conductive polymer membranes for advanced batteries

Imperial College London Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF)
✓ Fully Funded 🎓 Chemical Engineering 🎓 Energy Technologies 🎓 Materials Science 🎓 Physical Chemistry 🎓 Polymer Chemistry battery materials dendrite suppression electrochemistry energy storage ion conductors lithium batteries membrane science molecular engineering polymer membranes sodium batteries

Fully funded PhD at Imperial College London focusing on molecular engineering of ion-conductive polymer membranes for advanced lithium and sodium batteries. Combines polymer synthesis, electrochemistry, and transport modelling for next-gen energy storage

Project Description

This PhD at Imperial College London is part of the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF), a multi-university programme focused on net-zero technologies. The project focuses on designing and engineering ion-conductive polymer membranes for next-generation battery systems, particularly lithium and sodium batteries. The aim is to improve ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, and dendrite suppression through molecular-level design. Research will combine: Polymer synthesis and molecular engineering Membrane fabrication and materials design Electrochemical and materials characterisation Transport modelling of ion conduction The project is linked to the ERC Consolidator Grant IonPATH, providing a strong interdisciplinary and well-funded research environment. The outcome will contribute to safer, higher-energy-density, and more sustainable energy storage systems, supporting the global transition to net zero.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:
First or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related discipline
Strong interest in:
Polymer science
Electrochemistry
Energy materials or membrane science
Desirable experience:
Polymer synthesis
Battery/electrochemical testing
Materials characterisation
Energy storage research
Strong analytical ability and motivation for sustainable energy research are essential.

How to Apply

Apply via:
https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/
General enquiries:
cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk
Application is through the CDT-GIF portal (EPSRC CDT programme).

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PP
Prof. Paul Fennell Dr Qilei Song Prof. Magda Titirici Prof. Kim Jelfs
Imperial College London, Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF)

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