Postdoctoral Research Associate in High Temperature Carbon Nanotube Synthesis

Location: South Kensington

About the role:

The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Research Associate to investigate the science and engineering of electrochemical carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis from CO₂ in molten metal oxide/carbonate systems.

A molten Li₂O/Li₂CO₃ electrolyte at 750 – 850 °C can absorb CO₂ exothermically via: Li₂O + CO₂ ⟶ Li₂CO₃. The Li₂CO₃ can subsequently be electrochemically reacted to form carbon and oxygen, while Li₂O is regenerated: Li₂CO₃ ⟶ C + O₂ + Li₂O.

Simultaneous capture, conversion and valorisation of CO₂ (captured either from the air or from flue gas) into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via molten carbonate electrolysis in a single device has many potential advantages over other CO₂ utilisation pathways. It should enable in situ emissions processing with a low energy penalty, while generating a very high-value and chemically stable product.

Carbon nanotubes are hollow cylinders formed from one or more layers of graphene. They have high aspect ratios with nanometre-size diameters and lengths up to several centimetres. Applications are currently limited by the high cost of their conventional synthesis by chemical vapour deposition, but CNTs formed from CO₂ as a reactant are likely to accelerate market growth.

What you would be doing:

The project has several defined objectives, which build on research currently being conducted in the lab of A. Hankin:

1. Collection of experimental kinetic data for CNT electrodeposition over a range of applied electrode potentials and CO₂ supply rates. This will facilitate the development of an in-depth understanding of how the kinetics of carbon electrodeposition may be controlled to achieve high selectivity in one type of carbon nanostructure (e.g. nanotube, nanofiber or nano-onion, hollow vs filled etc). The products will need to be characterised ex situ using a variety of analytical techniques.
2. In situ quantification of CNT mass accumulation during electrolysis, using a high temperature-resistant crystal microbalance electrode – this is a novel method for in situ tracking of the nanotube growth process, which competes with the evolution of CO gas.
3. Development of a thermo-electro-kinetic model, describing the relationship between the rate of CNT deposition and experimental variables, for input into a Multiphysics model for predicting up-scaled system performance.
4. Testing of the synthesised carbon products in new Li- (or even Na-) battery electrodes. This will facilitate an evaluation and understanding of the effect of different carbon nanostructures on lithium-ion battery anode and cathode performances.

In lithium-ion batteries, the conventional anode material is graphite, and the conventional cathode material is carbon black (as an additive to lithium metal oxides). Carbon nanotubes, which are usually incorporated into materials to improve their properties, can act as an alternative anode material and/or a cathode additive.

The principal benefits of CNT inclusion in lithium-ion batteries are:

1. a decrease in the required amount of carbon black, which has a limited supply chain,
2. decrease in battery weight,
3. achievement of higher specific capacity and
4. elimination of chemical binders. Hence, objective 4, constitutes an important development in the overall project.

What we are looking for:

• A PhD in electrochemistry
• Practical experience of carrying out electrochemical experiments
• Experience in designing and constructing experimental apparatus for your own research
• Ability to think critically and independently and to lead your own work programme
• Ability to direct the work of supervised students (UG / MSc / PhD level)
• The ability to publish research articles that showcase scholarship and in-depth data analysis

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003– £46,297 per annum.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The post is available for 24 months. Starting salary is determined on experience. The post is based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (South Kensington Campus).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Anna Hankin – anna.hankin@imperial.ac.uk

To apply, please click the “Apply now” button at the top of the page. You will find this vacancy by searching either the position title or job number: ENG03453. Candidates will need to complete an online application.

Further information about the post is available in the job description.

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact: 

chemeng.staffing@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: Midnight on 26^th March 2025

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you experience any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

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