PhD Studentship: Direct Recycling of Next-Generation Battery Materials
Develop sustainable, circular recycling solutions for next-generation lithium and sodium-ion battery materials.
Best for:Best for candidates with a background in materials science, chemistry, or engineering interested in battery sustainability.
Overview
The University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded PhD position within the School of Metallurgy and Materials. This research focuses on advancing direct recycling technologies for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, specifically targeting LFP and LMFP chemistries. The project is part of the EU-funded DRAGONS programme, which aims to create scalable, economically viable recycling processes for gigafactory production scrap. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment to develop methods for recovering and reintegrating active electrode materials. This role is ideal for a candidate passionate about sustainable energy and circular economy principles.
What you'll do
- Characterise battery production scrap and recovered active materials.
- Develop and optimise electrode delamination and separation processes.
- Investigate strategies for binder removal and material purification.
- Develop relithiation and realkaliation methods to restore electrochemical performance.
- Fabricate and test new electrodes using recycled materials.
- Conduct electrochemical evaluation of recycled cathode and anode materials.
- Contribute to the development of design-for-recycling principles for future battery technologies.
Requirements
Degree required: First-class or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English
Instruction: English
- Strong academic background in materials science, chemistry, or engineering.
- Ability to conduct independent research in a laboratory setting.
- Analytical skills for materials characterisation and electrochemical testing.
- Open to UK students (funding covers home tuition fees).
- Must hold or expect to obtain a first-class or upper second-class honours degree.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-17
Interested candidates should apply through the official university portal provided. Ensure all academic transcripts and supporting documents are prepared for submission.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Cover letter
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