Engineering Anode Interfaces for Aqueous Aluminium Batteries

Advancements in battery technologies are transforming global energy systems. While lithium batteries dominate the market, the need to improve safety, reduce costs, and address limited lithium resources has driven the pursuit of "post-lithium" alternatives.

Aqueous Al batteries, with their inherent safety and high capacity, emerge as a promising solution but are hindered by challenges related to unfavored Al anode chemistry. Transforming the interfacial chemistry of Al anode is a critical step toward improving its electrochemical behaviours. This transformation necessitates rational control over both the composition and structure of the Al metal anode interphases.

This project aims to cultivate Al anodes with high reversibility to enable high-capacity and stable aqueous Al batteries. This will be achieved by designing electrochemically active and durable anode interphases and optimising battery interfaces to promote efficient and uniform Al stripping/plating.

This project will be conducted at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at The University of Queensland (UQ). It is strongly aligned with several of UQ’s identified research strengths including Materials Engineering, Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, all of which were ranked well above the world average (5/5) in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) exercise. AIBN has the major research pillar of “Nano-engineered materials” including the development of functional nanomaterials for energy storage and provides extensive collaborative opportunities for this proposed cutting-edge research with a critical mass of materials and chemistry researchers. AIBN/UQ will provide access to advanced research facilities for the synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials, including ANFF Queensland Node, CMM/UQ and the former ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of electrochemical energy storage materials and technologies would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of electrochemistry, and materials science and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of macromolecular and materials chemistry, and chemical sciences is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Dr Xiaodan Huang (x.huang@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 3 March, 2025 3 March, 2025.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter ANODE-HUANG.

Apply now