Exploring recycling and reuse of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries

With an increasing number of electric vehicles being purchased in the UK, methods to recycle automotive batteries at the end of life are urgently needed. Reuse of the electrodes in other applications may prove to be a cost-effective alternative to disassembly and recycling, particularly if the material can be reused with minimal processing after it is recovered from the battery.

This project will investigate recycling processes and reuse applications of lithium-ion metal-oxide cathode materials as sodium-ion batteries electrodes and photocatalysis. The structure of cathodes from end-of-life cells will be characterised using techniques including X-ray diffraction, infra-red/Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. The performance of materials in new applications will be evaluated using (electro)chemical techniques. Structure-property relationships will be elucidated using state-of-the-art characterisation techniques including in situ and ex situ x-ray and neutron diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and pair distribution function analysis. The information from these studies will aid the design of cost-effective recycling and reuse strategies for lithium-ion batteries.

The project will involve aspects of materials synthesis, electrochemical characterisation and advanced X-ray powder diffraction characterisation and modelling, and will provide extensive training in a range of state-of-the-art research techniques, which are directly applicable to a career in academia or industry. The student will also receive training in a diverse range of transferable skills, ensuring competitiveness in any employment sector.

Funding Notes

Candidates should have or expect to receive a first or upper second (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science or other related discipline. Familiarity with solid-state chemistry, electrochemistry or crystallographic methods would be an advantage. Applications should be made through the University of Birmingham's online application system. Please contact Dr Phoebe Allan in advance of applying, providing a CV and cover letter summarising your research interests and previous experience. Further information can be obtained by emailing Dr Phoebe Allan (p.allan@bham.ac.uk). For additional information about applications and funding streams, please visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/phd/phd.aspx