This project will first involve synthesising and characterising key components for use in ionic-liquid organic redox flow batteries, including:
- synthesising novel redox-active ionic liquids and characterising their physicochemical and electrochemical properties
- fabricating ion-conducting membranes and characterising their conductivity and ability to separate electrolytes
Later stages of this project will focus on assembling batteries and optimising their performance by iterative refinement of battery design, electrolytes and membranes.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Deborah Crittenden
Other Supervisors: Chris Fitchett
Key qualifications and skills
Ideally, the student should have some experience of organic synthesis (to at least 3rd year undergraduate level), cyclic voltammetry, and have a good working understanding of the key techniques of chemical and physicochemical characterisation including NMR, IR, viscometry, conductometry, mass spectrometry. The student should also have strong analytical and numeracy skills.
Does the project come with funding
Yes: $35,000 plus fees per annum
Final date for receiving applications
Ongoing
How to apply
By email to primary supervisor stating your key skills and experience and how they match the project description, with a copy of your University transcript proving eligibility to undertake a PhD.
Keywords
organic synthesis ; ionic liquids ; redox-flow batteries ; energy storage ; membranes