Composite Materials with Integrated ‘Massless’ Energy Storage for Civil and Mobile Applications (Electric Vehicles, Drones, Composite Planes) Kingston University in United Kingdom

This PhD project at Kingston University explores the development of composite materials with integrated ‘massless’ energy storage for use in civil and mobile applications, including electric vehicles, drones, and composite planes. Traditional batteries in electric cars contribute significantly to vehicle weight, impacting efficiency and load-bearing capacity. By integrating structural batteries and supercapacitors directly into the body of vehicles and other mobile platforms, this research aims to create multifunctional systems where the energy storage component also serves as a structural element, effectively making the battery's weight 'vanish' as it becomes part of the load-bearing structure.

Recent advances in structural batteries, particularly those involving carbon fibre, have demonstrated the potential for significant weight reduction in electric vehicles and other mobile applications. The project builds on breakthroughs recognized by Physics World and leverages years of research in composite materials and energy storage. The next generation of electric cars, planes, satellites, and intelligent buildings could be powered by such integrated composite systems, offering both mechanical strength and electrical functionality.

The research objectives include testing composite structures designed for ‘massless’ energy storage, modeling power sources in comparison to energy generation, and developing cost-efficient and environmentally friendly methods to avoid the use of external batteries and hazardous chemicals. The project also aims to generate predictable waste streams, create new materials such as polymer supercapacitors with high surface area, and develop commercial polymer composite products. Applications span high-volume and high-value waste materials, intelligent power storage composites for mechanical, aerospace, civil, and construction uses, insulation laminates, and composite parts with embedded energy sources for electric cars, aerospace, or civil engineering.

The successful candidate will join the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment at Kingston University, working under the supervision of Dr S Koutsonas. The project is part of the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry, with funding available for eligible candidates. Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or polymer science, and possess analytical and experimental skills relevant to composite materials and energy storage systems.

To apply, review the Graduate School Studentships information and the Faculty research page on the Kingston University website. Prepare your application materials and submit them via the university's application portal before the deadline of March 4, 2026. For further details on funding and eligibility, consult the university's PhD Studentships page.