PhD project in Flow batteries for renewable energy storage
PhD @University of Southampton posted 2 days agoJob Description
About the project
This project will focus on electrolyte design to address critical scientific and engineering challenges in next-generation flow batteries, aiming to understand the relationship among redox couples, electrode materials, transport phenomena, and electrochemical mechanisms. It will develop high-performant semi-organic flow batteries with increased capacity retention.
This project will focus on electrolyte design to address critical scientific and engineering challenges in next-generation flow batteries, aiming to understand the relationship among redox couples, electrode materials, transport phenomena under flow, and the electrochemical mechanisms that govern performance and durability.
The research will further develop semi-organic flow batteries with increased capacity retention through more stable electrolytes. Anthraquinone- and viologen-based chemistries will be considered alongside iron complexes. Advanced vanadium flow batteries will be used as benchmark. New concepts will be also explored.
You will integrate electrochemical characterisation with chemical engineering and materials science, contributing to the development of energy storage systems compatible with the demands of renewable energy. This position is embedded within a broader research initiative on sustainable electrochemical processes engineering. The work will be carried ethically under strict quality standards.
You will have access to advanced facilities, including:
- flow battery testbeds
- chemical analysis
- spectroscopy and microscopy platforms
- computerized tomography
- computational tools
You will develop expertise in the scale-up principles of electrode reactions. This position offers the opportunity to learn from world experts in electrochemical engineering and electrochemistry.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in one of the following:
- chemical engineering
- chemistry
- materials science
or related disciplines.
Desirable skills:
- self-driven experimentalist
- experience with electrochemistry or batteries
Fees and funding
Funding covers tuition fees at the Home/UK rate and a stipend, provided through the Faculty’s studentship programme.
We also offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
To learn about funding opportunities visit our Doctoral College scholarships and bursaries information.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
- add name of the supervisor in section 2
Applications should include:
- a personal statement
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts to date
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
If you have a general question, email our doctoral college (feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk).
Project leader
For an initial conversation, email Dr Fernando Arenas (L.F.Arenas@soton.ac.uk).
