Decoding Carbon Disorder for High-Performance Graphene Conductive Additives

About the Project

Lancaster University is pleased to offer a fully funded PhD studentship as part of the Faraday Institution PhD Training Programme, focused on understanding the structure-property relationships of graphene-based conductive carbons for next-generation battery electrodes.

Conductive carbon additives are essential for battery electrode manufacturing; however, the influence of their local structural disorder on conductivity and percolation remains poorly understood. This project will investigate how structural motifs in graphene-based carbons govern electronic conductivity and electrode performance in advanced battery systems. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced X-ray pair distribution function (PDF) analysis, supported by structural modelling and complementary characterisation techniques such as NMR and Raman to establish quantitative descriptors for carbon disorder.

The project will be hosted by Dr Xiao Hua at the Department of Chemistry, Lancaster University, in close collaboration with HydroGraph, an industrial partner developing advanced graphene materials through patented detonation synthesis routes.

The successful candidate will undertake an industrial placement of about three months with HydroGraph during the PhD, gaining direct experience in graphene production, process optimisation, and industrial R&D challenges associated with next-generation battery manufacturing.

This project is also closely connected to major Faraday Institution research themes including thick electrodes, degradation, and next-generation energy-storage technologies. In addition to receiving a competitive UKRI stipend (£21,805 p/a), the successful candidate will join the national Faraday Institution PhD cohort and benefit from a bespoke Faraday Institution PhD Training Programme, networking events and industrial visits, mentorship and internship opportunities, and interdisciplinary cohort activities across the UK battery community.

Requirements

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a First Class or strong Upper Second-Class degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate: strong interest in energy materials and carbon materials; strong interest in structure-property relationships of advanced materials; enthusiasm for experimental research and advanced characterisation; motivation to work across academia and industry; strong communication and teamwork skills.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous, though not essential: diffraction/scattering methods; electrochemistry; Raman or spectroscopic techniques; materials synthesis; data analysis or modelling.

Eligibility

This PhD studentship is open to home students only (UK nationals or those with settled status), in accordance with UK Research and Innovation funding regulations.

How to apply

Informal enquiries are encouraged and may be directed to Dr Xiao Hua (x.hua1@lancaster.ac.uk). Please note that formal applications cannot be accepted by email.

To apply for this Faraday Institution PhD position, applicants must complete both of the following steps: 1. Submit the Faraday Institution expression of interest form. 2. Apply through Lancaster University’s online postgraduate application system.

Please indicate clearly in your application that you are applying for this funded PhD project by quoting the project title in your application. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.