Study level

  • PhD
  • Master of Philosophy
  • Honours
  • Vacation research experience scheme

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

School of Chemistry and Physics

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Centre for Materials Science

Supervisors

Professor Deepak Dubal
Position
Professor
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Overview

Mixed polyanionic compounds have been studied extensively as viable cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Mixed phosphates Na4M3(PO4)2P2O7 (M = Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+), provide a low barrier for Na-ion diffusion, being advantageous in comparison to phosphates and pyrophosphates. Despite being structurally similar, electrochemical performance differs for their analogues with different degrees of (de)sodiation, according to the transition element present. This project will develop series of mixed phosphates using novel rapid heating methods to achieve desired electrochemical properties.

Research activities

This project will develop series of mixed phosphates Na4M3(PO4)2P2O7 (M = Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+) using novel heating method for Na-ion batteries with improved electrochemical performance.

Research activities can include:

  • synthesis of mixed phosphates Na4M3(PO4)2P2O7
  • structural and compositional study
  • preparation of battery electrodes and fabrication of coin cells
  • electrochemical testing using cyclic voltammetry charge/discharge techniques and data analysis
  • elucidating the charge kinetics using advanced in-situ characterizations.

The supervisor has a strong track record and a wide range of expertise in chemistry, materials science, energy storage technologies such as batteries and supercapacitors. This is symbiotic opportunity to work with a well-established, highly collaborative research group environment using cutting-edge instruments at the Central Analytical Research Facility (CARF). This will provide you with an effective and rich learning experience.

Outcomes

The project will provide an advanced understanding of mixed polyanionic compounds as cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which has potential application in automobiles, space and defense industry.

The best results of this research are expected to be published in high impact journals, and presented in the national and international conferences.

Skills and experience

The candidate is expected to have a strong background in:

  • chemistry
  • materials science
  • physics
  • engineering.

Research experience in electrochemistry, materials chemistry or energy-oriented fields will be positively considered.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.