Research Supervisor Connect
Modern society depends on batteries in mobile phones and laptops, hybrid cars, or in life-saving medical implants like pacemakers. Ionic liquids, which are salts in a liquid state at low temperature, have attracted intense interest as electrolytes for metal ion batteries, driven by their many favorable properties of ILs, including low vapor pressure, high electrical conductivity, non-flammability, large electrochemical window, high thermal stability and for their ability to suppress dendrite growth, which leads to safer batteries with longer life spans. However, their high viscosity slows diffusion and decreases conductivity, which is a major impediment to their widespread uptake.
In this project we will investigate locally concentrated ionic liquid electrolytes (LCILEs), formed by mixing ionic liquids with non-coordinating molecular diluents to lower viscosity while retaining key elements of ionic liquid structure that underpin their advantageous properties. Structure and dynamics in LCILEs will be investigated using advanced X-ray and neutron beam techniques spanning time scales from sub-ns to ms and length scales from molecular to micron to develop a comprehensive understanding of how molecular arrangements affect macroscopic properties. In collaboration with researchers at UWA, Monash, and Curtin, we will examine LCILEs at electrode surface sand test their performance in realistic battery cells.
This opportunity/project is a part of the Faculty of Science Australian Research Council (ARC) Scholarship scheme and will be advertised on the Scholarship Office website starting mid-May 2025. The selected applicant is expected to commence their candidature in July (RP3) 2025 onward. Successful applicants will be supervised by Professor Gregory Warr and focus primarily on their PhD projects. They will also have the opportunity to participate in any activities held at the University of Sydney under the ARC Discovery Project (DP). Candidate will be enrolled in the School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.
Notes:
• The application process is separate from applying for admission to the University of Sydney.
• The scholarship will only be awarded once the successful applicant has received an unconditional offer of admission.
• International applicants are responsible for securing any necessary visas and costs to enable study in Sydney.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3633