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.