PhD Scholarship Opportunity – Safe and Sustainable Electrolytes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Metal Batteries

• Development of low-cost electrolyte systems for multivalent and emerging battery chemistries, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn).

• Investigation of electrolyte formulations that enable stable metal cycling, minimise interfacial passivation, and improve energy density and cycling performance.

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• Design and synthesis of novel solid polymer electrolytes.

• Improving interfacial stability, suppressing dendrite formation, and enabling high-performance solid-state metal batteries.

The successful candidate will employ synthetic chemistry, advanced materials characterisation, and electrochemical evaluation to establish structure-property relationships and develop high-performance battery systems. The project is conducted within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and internationally connected research environment at Monash University.

Applicants with backgrounds in one or more of the following are encouraged to apply:

• Chemistry

• Materials Science

• Chemical Engineering

• Polymer Science

• Electrochemistry

• Energy Storage or closely related disciplines

Desirable experience includes:

• Battery electrolytes, ionic liquids or solid polymer electrolytes

• Organic synthesis and/or polymer chemistry

• Electrochemical testing and analysis

• Materials characterisation techniques

• Strong scientific writing and communication skills

Applicants will be considered provided they satisfy the admission requirements for a PhD at Monash University and demonstrate excellent research capability. Successful applicants should:

• Hold (or be close to completing) a Bachelor Honours (H1 or equivalent) and/or Master's degree with an excellent academic record.

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

• Show the ability to conduct independent, self-motivated research while working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Candidates who are in the process of completing their H1 degree will be considered.

• Applicants who already hold a PhD degree