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Job Description
Ph.D. Studentship: Green Energy Storage
The Nanotechnology group and the Materials modelling for devices group in Tyndall are offering a fully funded Ph.D. position in a new exciting project: Green energy storage: development of sustainable supercapacitors by direct laser writing of natural materials (SUPER-GREEN) supported by Science Foundation Ireland through the SFI/IRC Pathway Program.
Project Overview
The rapid increase in demand for powered connected devices poses environmental concerns both in terms of high energy production requirements and end-of-life disposal. Implementation of eco-friendly energy storage systems and self-powered solutions is crucial to ensure future sustainability of such devices.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and characterise biodegradable material formulations sourced from natural materials and suitable for fabrication of porous electrodes by direct laser writing.
- Develop and characterise graphene-like carbon green electrode materials with controlled physico-chemical characteristics.
- Develop and characterise sustainable electrolyte solutions to be incorporated in a supercapacitor device.
- Work with colleagues within the Nanotechnology Group, across Tyndall, and within the CONNECT Research Centre to develop novel all-green supercapacitors devices with low environmental footprints.
- Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management, and Health and Safety standards.
Requirements
- Strong honours undergraduate degree (minimum second-class honours, grade 1 (2.1), or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering.
- Expertise in materials synthesis and characterisation.
- Succeeded in self-motivated delivery of research projects at undergraduate level.
- Passionate about working in partnership with our team to impart and co-develop expertise.
What We Offer
- A fully-funded Ph.D. position that includes a stipend of €22,000/year for up to four years or graduation (whatever comes first) and full coverage of EU academic fees/tuition (€5,770/year).
- Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
- Training and development opportunities are also provided.