PhD Studentship: Powering the Future: Terahertz Technology for Next-Generation Batteries

Overview

The University of Warwick is offering a PhD studentship titled Powering the Future: Terahertz Technology for Next-Generation Batteries. The project develops terahertz spectroscopy methods to unlock scalable manufacturing of next-generation solid-state batteries, which are central to clean energy from electric vehicles to grid-scale storage.

Solid-state electrolytes are attracting interest because of their thermal stability, reduced flammability, durability and potential for higher energy density. Manufacturing high-performance electrolytes is hard, because their microstructures must be tightly controlled to give good electrochemical performance, mechanical integrity and impermeability, and there are no rapid inspection methods for judging microstructural homogeneity in product-scale electrolytes. The student will join an interdisciplinary team working across metrology, battery materials and ceramic processing. The project begins with fabricating and characterising conventional electrolyte materials using emerging terahertz spectroscopy, then develops the technique for product-scale electrolytes. In later stages, thermal control is added to probe intrinsic conduction behaviour and link it to longer length-scale conduction, building a unified framework connecting microstructure and transport. The work is done in close collaboration with LiNa Energy, contributing to solid-state battery manufacturing, advanced metrology and quality control.

Who can apply

The studentship is available to home students only. Candidates should have a good 2.1 bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in electronic engineering, chemical engineering, applied physics, physical sciences or equivalent. Experience in more than one of the following is a plus: working knowledge of MATLAB or Python and signal processing, understanding of electromagnetics, genuine interest in battery technologies, and experience with CAD and mechanical design.

What you get

The award covers full tuition fees and a tax-free stipend at the prevailing UKRI rate, currently £21,805, for 3.5 years of full-time study, plus a £5,000 research training support grant.

How to apply

Interested candidates submit a full formal application using the university's guidance and application form. They must meet the University of Warwick entry criteria and obtain an unconditional offer before enrolment, and acceptance onto the PhD is not an offer of financial support. Successful scholarship candidates receive official confirmation of their award from the School of Engineering.

Key dates

The closing date is 31 October 2026.