Advancing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology Through Multifunctional Inverse Vulcanized Polymers: A Path Toward Sustainable Energy Storage Solutions

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a promising next-generation energy storage technology due to their high theoretical energy density and the abundance, low cost, and environmental compatibility of sulfur. However, practical applications are limited by several persistent challenges, including the shuttle effect, poor electrical conductivity of sulfur, and large volume changes during cycling. These issues lead to poor cycle stability, low Coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity fading. 

This project aims to address these limitations by designing and synthesizing novel sulfur-rich polymers through inverse vulcanization1,2. By selecting crosslinkers with specific functional groups, the study seeks to enhance the chemical confinement of long-chain lithium polysulfides, thereby mitigating the shuttle effect3. This approach aims to improve the stability and cycling performance of Li-S batteries while addressing the mechanical challenges posed by sulfur’s volume expansion. The candidate will develop tailored polymer compositions and incorporate nitrogen-doped carbon to further enhance electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance. Additionally, various material processing methods will be utilized to fabricate cathode material with tailored architectures to support high sulfur loading while maintaining structural robustness. Advanced characterization techniques—including in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and operando AFM-SECM—will be used to probe the electrochemical mechanisms and guide materials optimization. 

References: 

1) Parker, D. J. et al. J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017,5, 11682-11692 

2) Wu, X. et al. Nature Chemistry, 2019, 10, 647 

3) Wang, H. et al. Journal of power sources. 2022, 545, 231921 

Training and Collaboration 

The project provides a rich, collaborative research environment where the candidate will benefit from interdisciplinary training in polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, battery engineering, and advanced characterization. 

The candidate will receive comprehensive training in advanced characterization techniques (e.g., in-situ Raman spectroscopy, operando AFM-SECM) and polymer synthesis. They will benefit from interdisciplinary supervision at NTHU and UoL, with access to world-class facilities such as the Materials Innovation Factory. Collaboration will include regular team meetings, mentoring, and international exchange. 

Project Structure 

Year 1 (NTHU): Focus on foundational training, core coursework (e.g., Materials Dynamics, Solid State Thermodynamics), and literature review. 

Years 2–3 (UoL): Emphasis on experimental work—polymer synthesis, battery assembly, and in-depth characterization. Participation in training programmes at the Materials Innovation Factory and doctoral development workshops. 

Year 4 (NTHU): Continued battery assembly and testing, material characterization, and mechanism study.  This phase will also involve writing and submitting research publications and completing the doctoral thesis. 

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. 

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply. 

Please provide your transcripts, CV, a cover letter/personal statement with project title to Prof. Che-Ning Yeh: cnyeh@mx.nthu.edu.tw 

Prof. Che-Ning Yeh - cnyeh@mx.nthu.edu.tw 

Dr. Tom Hasell - T.Hasell@liverpool.ac.uk 

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Chemistry.