Research Supervisor Connect
Research projects in the Dose Lab focus on emerging energy storage materials for use in batteries, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and other ‘beyond’ lithium-ion chemistries.
This project will study the interfacial and bulk properties of electrodes and electrolytes for Na-ion batteries with a focus on understanding the reaction mechanisms and degradation pathways.
Electrochemical energy storage is playing a pivotal role in the global pursuit of a clean and sustainable energy future. Concerns about the future cost of critical metals used in Li-ion batteries, due to increasing demand, are driving battery research into new chemistries ‘beyond’ Li-ion.
Na-ion batteries are attracting significant attention because of the relative abundance of raw materials, their environmental-friendliness, safety, and low price. However, the storage capacity and long-term performance of Na-ion batteries are currently limited by the properties and performance of the positive electrode and adverse interfacial reactions at both electrodes.
This project will explore how the positive electrode properties (composition, surface coatings, dopants) and the electrolyte solution properties (composition, solvents, salts, additives) can be tuned to improve the lifetime, performance, and safety of Na-ion batteries.
The aims of the project will be to (1) understand the (de)sodiation mechanisms of electrode materials, (2) explore the interfacial reactivity at the electrolyte-electrode interface, (2) understand the key modes of degradation, and (3) develop novel materials-based solutions that facilitate improved long-term performance and overall battery safety.
The candidate will have access to a variety of characterisation techniques, including electrochemical methods (potentiometry, EIS, GITT), X-ray techniques (XRD, XAS, XPS), electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), and DEMS/OEMS.
Requirements:
• A major in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline
• An undergraduate degree (with first class honours or equivalent), or a Masters degree (research-focused)
• An overall GPA of above 3.3/4.0 (or >83%)
• From one of the top 200 (preferably top 100) universities worldwide
• Prior research experience with at least 1 high-quality publication (preferably first-author)
• Excellent communication skills in English (e.g., overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0)
Interested applicants can email their CV to wesley.dose@sydney.edu.au
Project keywords:
Energy storage, batteries, lithium-ion, sodium-ion, electrolyte, materials science, electrochemistry, interfacial chemistry, green technology, sustainability, climate change
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3654