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

Lithium batteries come in all shapes, sizes and even chemistries. In today's world, making these batteries better is in constant demand. This requires prototyping and validation of new materials and designs. We achieve this through building new ideas into standardized cell formats and then applying a range of testing techniques. Our group can insert new components into our carefully optimized cell designs and testing protocols that go from little coin cells, up to cells you might find in things like laptops or scooters. This allows us to do insightful analysis to support progress towards better batteries.

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

  • battery materials handling / synthesis
  • cell component handling / manufacture
  • cell design and construction
  • cell testing data analysis

Outcomes

Improved knowledge of lithium ion batteries materials and 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