A Postdoctoral Research position is available in the application of highly concentrated electrolytes to electrochemical energy storage and conversion within the group of Professor Robert Weatherup in the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford.
Highly concentrated electrolytes have shown the ability to selectively suppress certain reactions in favour of others, including allowing aqueous (water-in-salt) electrolytes to be used for Li-ion batteries, and CO2 reduction to be favoured over hydrogen evolution. This project aims to understand the influence of salt concentration on the selectivity of reactions in water-in-salt electrolytes, relevant to Li-ion batteries and electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction. This will involve electrochemical measurements of model devices and the simulation of the electrolytes using molecular dynamics to relate the effect of changes in solvation to the observed results. The candidate will develop operando gas measurement techniques using mass spectrometry to quantify the reduction products that relate to competing reactions during operation. The ultimate aim is to reveal the relationship between the salt concentration and reaction selectivity to inform the design of aqueous electrolytes for Li-ion batteries, and to improve the selectivity of electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.
Previous experience in electrochemical methods, molecular dynamics and continuum scale modelling is essential, as well as a track record of peer-reviewed publications. This position is available from January 2025 and will initially run until December 2025, with the possibility for extension subject to the award of follow-on funding.
All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment system, no later than 12 noon on 30 January 2025. You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.
Interviews are scheduled to take place at the Department of Materials on the week commencing 10 February 2025 and you must be available on this date, either by Teams, Zoom or in person.