PhD in Mechanical Engineering - Metal Oxide and NASICON Ionic Composites for Next-Generation Solid-State Batteries University of Glasgow in United Kingdom

Start date: September 2025

Background

The global transition toward sustainable energy solutions has intensified the demand for next-generation energy storage systems. Solid-state batteries (SSBs) represent a transformative leap in battery technology, offering enhanced safety, energy density, and longevity compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries that employ flammable liquid electrolytes. By replacing liquid electrolytes with solid alternatives, SSBs mitigate risks of leakage, combustion, and thermal runaway while enabling operation across broader temperature ranges. However, realizing their full potential requires overcoming critical challenges in solid electrolyte design, particularly in optimizing ionic conductivity, interfacial stability, and electrochemical compatibility.

Among promising solid electrolyte candidates, NASICON (Na Super Ionic Conductor) materials have gained significant attention due to their robust three-dimensional framework, exceptional ionic conductivity, and structural versatility. Composed primarily of sodium, phosphorus, and oxygen, NASICON’s crystalline lattice supports rapid alkali-ion diffusion, making it ideal for high-rate charge-discharge applications. Concurrently, metal oxide-based electrolytes have emerged as complementary candidates, offering high thermal/chemical stability and compatibility with diverse electrode materials. The integration of NASICON with metal oxides into composite solid electrolytes presents a compelling strategy to synergize their individual strengths, potentially overcoming limitations such as interfacial resistance and phase instability.

Despite their promise, the development of NASICON/metal oxide composites faces unresolved scientific challenges. Key issues include mismatched crystal structures, interfacial degradation during cycling, and the complexity of scalable synthesis. A fundamental understanding of ion transport mechanisms, phase interactions, and structure-property relationships at atomic and macroscopic scales is essential to engineer optimized composites. This PhD project addresses these gaps, aiming to pioneer novel materials that redefine the performance benchmarks for SSBs.

Research Aim and Objectives

This PhD project seeks to design, synthesize, and characterize NASICON/metal oxide composite electrolytes to advance solid-state battery technology. The research will focus on:

1. Material Development: Innovating synthesis routes (e.g., sol-gel, solid-state reaction, or advanced sintering) to fabricate high-purity NASICON/metal oxide composites with tailored stoichiometry and microstructure.
2. Structure-Property Elucidation: Employing advanced characterization techniques (XRD, Raman, TEM, XPS, impedance spectroscopy) to correlate ionic conductivity, interfacial stability, and electrochemical performance with material composition and morphology.
3. Mechanistic Insights: Investigating ion transport dynamics, interfacial kinetics, and degradation mechanisms to identify strategies for minimizing resistance and enhancing cyclability.
4. Device Integration: Demonstrating practical viability by assembling prototype SSB cells and evaluating performance metrics (energy density, rate capability, cycle life) under operational conditions.

The project will combine experimental and analytical approaches, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Glasgow. By elucidating design principles for composite electrolytes, this work aims to establish a roadmap for scalable, high-performance SSBs applicable to electric vehicles, grid storage, and portable electronics.

Candidate Profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate with:

• Essential Qualifications:
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Proven research experience, evidenced by at least one first author publication in a Q1 journal.
• Proficiency in analyzing complex datasets and communicating findings through high-impact publications.
• Fluency in written and spoken English (IELTS = 6.5 or equivalent if applicable).

• Desirable Skills:
• Hands-on experience in materials synthesis (e.g., ceramics, thin films) and electrochemical characterization (CV, EIS).
• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques (Raman, FTIR, XPS) or microstructural analysis (SEM, TEM).
• Creativity, teamwork, and a commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies.

Project Details

• Duration: 3.5 years (full-time).
• Supervision: The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team under the guidance of experts in materials science and energy storage.
• Facilities: Access to cutting-edge laboratories for materials synthesis, advanced microscopy, and battery testing.

Impact and Vision

This project bridges fundamental materials science with applied energy storage challenges, offering the successful candidate an opportunity to contribute to a globally significant field. By pioneering high-performance solid electrolytes, the research will accelerate the adoption of SSBs, supporting global decarbonization goals.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV, a motivation letter outlining their research interests and experience, Transcripts of Records, List of Publications (If any) and contact information for at least two academic references to Professor Mohammad Khalid at [email protected]

Please note that this application is to gain admission to our PGR programme, and an offer of admission may be issued before a decision on this Scholarship is made. Candidates applying for this Scholarship will most likely have an interview/discussion with the supervisor before any decision is made.