Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

School of Chemistry and Physics

Topic status

We're looking for students to study this topic.

Research centre

Supervisors

Dr Michael Horn
Position
Research Associate
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science
Associate Professor Joshua Watts
Position
Principal Research Fellow in Battery Systems
Division / Faculty
Faculty of Science

Overview

The very same thing that makes lithium batteries (LIBs) so attractive in modern society - the amount of energy they can store in a neat small package - can also make them dangerous. This creates a huge demand for understanding their safe use across their increasingly wide range of applications; from small things in your pocket, to big things parked underneath an apartment complex. Making batteries safer requires an understanding of how they fail. We can achieve this through deliberately causing batteries or their parts to fail, under a range of strictly controlled conditions.  This allows us to do insightful analysis to support progress towards better battery materials, as well as to inform better standards of practice for battery custodians.

Research engagement

This opportunity has a need for literature review components, a significant chunk of interesting lab-based work in purpose-built facilities, as well as desk-top data analysis and reporting. The successful student can expect a well-balanced workload.

Research activities

Research activities may include

  • cell component handling / manufacture
  • cell design and construction
  • cell testing data analysis
  • destructive cell testing data analysis

Outcomes

Improved knowledge of lithium-ion battery safety limitations with respect to selected cell designs

Skills and experience

Students who have a passion for sustainable technology and a relevant background in Science or Engineering are encouraged to apply.

The applicant must possess or must rapidly gain experience in

  • basic understanding of battery operation, construction
  • Li-ion cell components
  • Li-ion cell design factors
  • MS Office products skills including Excel, Word, Powerpoint
  • data analysis

There are a range of disciplines that could provide a suitable background to this project work, so the essential prerequisite is enthusiasm for this field. If you have the enthusiasm but are not sure you have the other skills, send Michael an email (m2.horn@qut.edu.au).

Start date

1 November, 2024

End date

28 February, 2025

Location

QUT Banyo Pilot Plant Precinct (The Advanced Battery Facility)

Keywords

Contact

Michael Horn - 0413226607 -  m2.horn@qut.edu.au