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Advancing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology Through Multifunctional Inverse Vulcanized Polymers: A Path Toward Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Start date
Year round
Subject area
Chemistry
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Overview

This funded PhD project aims to design and synthesize novel sulfur-rich polymers through inverse vulcanization. The successful applicant will enhance the chemical confinement of long-chain lithium polysulfides, thereby mitigating the shuttle effect to improve the stability and cycling performance of Li-S batteries while addressing the mechanical challenges posed by sulfur’s volume expansion

About this opportunity

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their high theoretical energy density and the abundance, low cost, and environmental compatibility of sulfur. However, practical applications are limited by several persistent challenges, including the shuttle effect, poor electrical conductivity of sulfur, and large volume changes during cycling. These issues lead to poor cycle stability, low Coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity fading.

This project aims to address these limitations by designing and synthesizing novel sulfur-rich polymers through inverse vulcanization (1,2). By selecting crosslinkers with specific functional groups, the study seeks to enhance the chemical confinement of long-chain lithium polysulfides, thereby mitigating the shuttle effect (3). This approach aims to improve the stability and cycling performance of Li-S batteries while addressing the mechanical challenges posed by sulfur’s volume expansion. The candidate will develop tailored polymer compositions and incorporate nitrogen-doped carbon to further enhance electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance. Additionally, various material processing methods will be utilized to fabricate cathode material with tailored architectures to support high sulfur loading while maintaining structural robustness. Advanced characterization techniques—including in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and operando AFM-SECM—will be used to probe the electrochemical mechanisms and guide materials optimization.

Training and collaboration

The project provides a rich, collaborative research environment where the candidate will benefit from interdisciplinary training in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, battery engineering, and advanced characterization.

The candidate will receive comprehensive training in advanced characterization techniques (e.g., in-situ Raman spectroscopy, operando AFM-SECM) and polymer synthesis. They will benefit from interdisciplinary supervision at NTHU and UoL, with access to world-class facilities such as the Materials Innovation Factory. Collaboration will include regular team meetings, mentoring, and international exchange.

Project structure

  • Year 1 (National Tsing Hua University): Focus on foundational training, core coursework (for example, Materials Dynamics, Solid State Thermodynamics), and literature review
  • Years 2–3 (University of Liverpool): Emphasis on experimental work—polymer synthesis, battery assembly, and in-depth characterization. Participation in training programmes at the Materials Innovation Factory and doctoral development workshops
  • Year 4 (National Tsing Hua University): Continued battery assembly and testing, material characterization, and mechanism study.  This phase will also involve writing and submitting research publications and completing the doctoral thesis.

Who is this opportunity for?

This project is open to UK and international applicants.

We want all of our staff and students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply

Further reading

  1. Parker, D. J. et al. J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 11682-11692
  2. Wu, X. et al. Nature Chemistry, 2019, 10, 647
  3. Wang, H. et al. Journal of power sources. 2022, 545, 23192
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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Before submitting a formal application online, please email your university transcripts, CV, and a cover letter/personal statement with the project title to Professor Che-Ning Yeh: .

    Project supervisors

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • Passport details (international applicants only)
    • English language certificates (international applicants only)
    • A personal statement
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Contact details for two proposed supervisors
    • Names and contact details of two referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

    You should submit an application for Chemistry PhD.

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Funding your PhD

This funded studentship will cover tuition fees and pay a maintenance grant similar to a UKRI studentship (£20,780/year) for 2 years while in Liverpool, and 15000 NDT/month while in Taiwan for 2 years. The studentship also come with additional financial support of a research training support grant which will fund the cost of materials, conference attendance etc.​

If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. 

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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