Lithium-Ion Battery Degradation and Performance Prediction in 2nd-Life Applications project

This project represents a unique opportunity to undertake a fully funded PhD studentship, sponsored by BP in the broad area of electric vehicle (EV) battery sustainably and circular economy.

The concept of reusing EV batteries in a "2nd-life" - extending their useful life before being recycled is well established and seen as a vital part of sustainable EV adoption. It is well understood that lithium-ion batteries degrade as they are used and over time. In their first years of service, this degradation is largely well understood. However, considerable uncertainty exists in how EV batteries will age during 2nd-life operation.

The aim of this PhD is to better define the underpinning ageing mechanisms that drive degradation within batteries during extended periods of use. One focus area will be the prediction of the onset of non-linear degradation later in battery life where battery capacity reduces more rapidly, which often indicates the battery is close to the end of its usable life: also known as the "knee-point". In addition, this PhD will seek to identify if the trajectory of battery degradation can be significantly changed through different thermal management strategies or different electrical cycling strategies.

The focus of this PhD is primarily on experimental research to be conducted within the WMG Energy Innovation Centre with agreed periods of on-site work at BP (UK). The researcher will be required to design, implemented, and manage novel multidisciplinary experiments to generate the data required to underpin their recommendations and conclusions.