Advanced materials for electrostatic energy storage

This multidisciplinary project spans materials science, chemistry and physics to develop lead-free environmental friendly materials for enhanced electrostatic energy storage.<br /> <br /> With the environment and climate deteriorating, it is vital to speed up development of reliable energy storage devices that will allow renewable energy to be used indefinitely [1]. Chemical energy storage (e.g., batteries) and physical energy storage (e.g., capacitors) are the two primary types of energy storage technologies. <br /> <br /> As capacitors, dielectrics aid in electrostatic energy storage and are critical energy storage components [2]. Dielectric capacitors (electrostatic energy storage capacitors) with high power densities are critical components of electrical and electronic systems for energy storage [3]. Dielectric capacitors are the most widely made and used capacitors, with trillions produced each year, and have countless applications, such as smart grids, electronic circuits, electric vehicles, wearable electronics, etc [4]. However, boosting their energy densities has been a long-standing difficulty. Improving energy density and other properties of dielectric capacitors will make them more competitive and complementary to batteries in energy storage applications. <br /> <br /> The aim of the project is to improve the energy density of ceramic capacitors without compromising their thermal stability. This project will combine microstructure characterisation and performance testing to conduct a systematic study of the defect chemistry, phase transition, conduction, and polarisation mechanisms of ceramic-based energy storage materials; and to develop a new research guide for the design and development of superior lead-free energy storage materials. <br /> <br /> [1] I. Hadjipaschalis, et al., Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 13 (2009) 1513. <br /> [2] Z. Yao, et al., Advanced Materials 29 (2017) 1601727. <br /> [3] X. Hao, Journal of Advanced Dielectrics 03 (2013) 1330001. <br /> [4] L. Yang, et al., Progress in Materials Science 102 (2019) 72.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>.</p> <ul> <li>For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate</strong>.</li> <li>The admission year for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>.</li> <li>You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>EPSRC DLA (Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine)</strong>.</li> <li>The project start date for this project is ideally <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>.</li> <li>Please state clearly in the <strong>Research Information Section, </strong>the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Advanced materials for electrostatic energy storage</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/faculty-engineering-physical-sciences/staff/14137/dr-zhilun-lu">Dr Zhilun Lu</a> as your proposed supervisor.</li> <li>Please state clearly that the funding you are is applying for is <strong>EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27: Chemical & Process Engineering</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date of Tuesday 30 June 2026. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Tuesday 30 June 2026</strong><strong>:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p>This competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award offers the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This funding opportunity is directly linked to a specific EPSRC grant-funded project, offering a unique chance to work closely with supervisors and postdoctoral researchers on cutting-edge research while gaining first-hand experience of working within a major research council grant environment.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to UK applicants only.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>Please note that there is 1 funded place available.  If you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate.</li> </ul> <p>If you are unsure whether you are eligible for UK fees/funding, please visit the <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ukcisa.org.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7CJ.S.Hewer%40leeds.ac.uk%7C07632c93c06a442dca3d08ddfc172939%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C638943898649349324%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nylGSov8jOc7hr6X%2FmfnfQPecbVUnGqgoSqVgPGy5K0%3D&reserved=0">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> regarding fee status for Non-UK nationals.</p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered.  </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026, or soon after that. </li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Zhilun Lu by email to <a href="http://z.lu@leeds.ac.uk ">z.lu@leeds.ac.uk </a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="http://phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>