PhD Studentship: Manufacturing of Lithium-Sulfur All-Solid-State Batteries with Graphene-Reinforced Ionic-Electronic Composites

Award summary

100% fees covered for four years and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate) with £17,000 Research Training Support Grant.

Overview

ReNU⁺ is a unique and ambitious programme that will train the next-generation of doctoral carbon champions who are renowned for research excellence and interdisciplinary systemic thinking for Net Zero. The ReNU⁺ vision is that they will become living examples of a highly skilled workforce delivering an equitable energy transition so that Net Zero is inclusive for all.

Rechargeable batteries are the key energy storage devices for electrification of transportation such as automotives, rail, and aviation, as well as stationary energy storage for electricity generated from renewable sources including wind and solar.

We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate with strong self-motivation to manufacture and test prototype lithium-sulfur all-solid-state batteries (Li-S ASSBs) that have non-flammable solid-state electrolytes and earth-abundant energy storage materials, and use sustainable manufacturing technologies that are environmental friendly and energy saving, towards long-life Li-S ASSBs.

The PhD candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team, together with an industrial partner Levidian Nanosystems Ltd (UK). You will be able to learn different transferable research skills and experimental skills. If you are interested in Battery Research, you are welcome to apply.

Northeast is UK’s battery manufacturing centre, the home of the UK’s first gigafactory plus strong chemical sectors. Faraday Battery Challenge has appointed Newcastle University to receive £1.3m in funding to support the North East's battery manufacturing and innovation sector and skills development. This is a great opportunity to conduct Battery Research at Newcastle.

Number of awards: 1

Start date: 1^st October 2025

Award duration: 4 years

Sponsor: EPSRC

Name of supervisor/s

Dr Chuan Cheng (Newcastle University)

Prof. Mohamed Mamlouk (Newcastle University)

Prof. Richard Yongqing Fu (Northumbria University)

Eligibility criteria:

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject (inc. engineering, chemistry, physics).

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8208F
• Leave the ‘Research Area' field blank
• Select ‘PhD Energy Materials' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form.
• The studentship code ReNU25_1 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field.
• When asked for a research proposal, please upload a competency assessment form instead. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

 In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload:

• An up to date CV

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Contact details: Dr. Chuan Cheng Chuan.Cheng@newcastle.ac.uk

Advert information