Climate-resilient cathodes for Refuellable Magnesium-Air batteries (CREMA)
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
This PhD studentship, titled “Climate-resilient cathodes for Refuellable Magnesium-Air batteries (CREMA)” at Loughborough University, focuses on advancing next-generation battery technologies for sustainable energy storage. Loughborough is a leading UK research-intensive university, with strong expertise in energy engineering. The project is hosted within the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), which offers access to advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and strong links with international collaborators.
CREMA aims to develop climate-resilient air cathodes for refuellable magnesium-air (Mg-air) batteries, addressing a key challenge to their real-world application: instability in humid and high-temperature environments, such as tropical and sub-tropical weather conditions. Mg-air batteries provide high theoretical energy density as an alternative to conventional lithium-based systems, with the added benefit of a refuellable design, where the magnesium anode can be replaced rather than recharged. The project will focus on designing and engineering catalytic cathodes with improved resistance to moisture and thermal degradation.
A main innovation involves creating hydrophobic catalyst surfaces by controlling the solid-air interface, allowing for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity even under difficult environmental conditions. Experimental work will include material synthesis, electrochemical testing in Mg-air flow-cell systems, and advanced surface and structural characterisation to understand degradation mechanisms. The expected outcomes are enhanced cathode durability, fundamental insights into material-environment interactions, and the development of demonstrator Mg-air batteries capable of stable and efficient operation under harsh environments.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Hosted within the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST)
- Access to advanced research facilities and international collaborators
- Develops humidity- and heat-resistant air cathodes for magnesium-air batteries
- Hands-on electrochemical testing in Mg-air flow-cell systems
- Advanced surface and structural characterisation of degradation mechanisms
- Builds demonstrator Mg-air batteries for harsh environments
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Battery research scientist
- Electrochemical engineer
- Energy storage engineer
- Materials scientist
- Postdoctoral research associate
- Renewable energy R&D engineer
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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