About the project
This project will contribute to a major Ministry of Defence (MoD) research programme as part of a MoD/EPSRC Energy Transfer Technology Skills and Training (S&T) Hub. The hub will develop generation after next technologies for applications in defence and security, and this project will be co-funded by Qinetiq. The student will be based at the University of Southampton but will be part of a cohort of 12 PhD students across a number of UK institutions.
The project is concerned with synthesis and development of 3D electrode materials to produce batteries that can be charged and discharged very quickly. The student will carry out synthesis to make the electrodes and work on fully characterising the materials and their electrochemistry. They will work closely with Qinetiq accessing the company’s facilities and expertise as well as gaining understanding of the industrial perspective.
The S&T Hub is committed to providing an inclusive environment in which diverse students can thrive, and encourages applications from women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in the sector. The Hub offers training for research and industrial career paths, as well as activities to facilitate cohort building and group learning exercises throughout the PhD programme.
The Southampton Electrochemistry group has a rich history of research and training in electrochemistry and in materials over more than 50 years. Professor Hector has extensive experience on research at the electrochemistry and materials interface including for battery and supercapacitor applications.
QinetiQ will support this project from its Power Sources business area that is situated in Gosport and Farnborough. The Power Sources team has many years’ experience developing, manufacturing and testing batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells. The team has a pilot production facility and dry-room in Gosport to support this programme and enable the student to gain experience in an industrial setting.
