Exploring Alkali Charge Carriers in Novel Devices through Advanced X-ray Spectroscopy

Alkali metals are a vital component in many enabling technologies, such as battery and supercapacitor technologies. While lithium currently dominates these technologies it is unsustainable due to its rarity; potassium/sodium batteries represent a sustainable alternative and have recently gained increasing attention.1 Given these batteries are in their relative infancy, there is significant scope for development of new cathode materials. This self-funded project will use the power of advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques to understand how the abundant alkali elements can be used to make effective energy storage materials. Utilising these techniques will enable us to directly monitor the charge carriers local structure during function. With this understanding, we will design catalysts that fully harness the potential alkali species to make a real contribution to creating a more sustainable world. As part of our team, with expert supervisors in catalyst design (Dr Simon Kondrat at Loughborough University) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source you will make, test, and characterise alkali battery/ supercapacitors. Specially, you will explore Prussian Blue, layered alpha nickel hydroxide and activated carbon materials. During the project you will design manufacture and commissioning bespoke X-ray spectroscopy reactor cell, which will be used to characterise alkali under reaction conditions. You will have the opportunity to building skills in inorganic and physical chemistry, applied and sustainable energy storage and advanced X-ray characterisation techniques. We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networking among your peers and research academics. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £29,500

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £29,500

February 2027

30 November 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom