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Background
Mike was born in the UK and went to primary and secondary school in Liverpool. Following his A levels in chemistry, maths and physics, he went to the University of Liverpool where he completed an integrated Master’s degree in chemistry. During this time, he participated in a Bachelor’s project involving solid-state synthesis and characterisation of cathode and electrolyte materials. Followed by a Master’s project involving computationally screening properties of electrolyte materials. Thoroughly enjoying both these projects, this led him to pursue further research into energy storage systems. For this reason, Mike joined the Electrochemical Innovation Lab in October of 2019 to start his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Alex Rettie and Prof. Dan Brett.
Research Summary
Title: Advanced Characterisation of Battery Materials
Mike’s project focuses on the characterisation of materials for lithium-ion batteries and future technologies such as lithium-sulfur and solid-state batteries in connection with the company, Horiba Mira.
The use of pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) will be paired to allow for the short- and long-range order of battery materials to be realised. These studies will provide structural information to both crystalline and amorphous materials. Aiding in the realisation of defects and degradation mechanisms, contributing the insights needed for future battery management systems.
With the help of a variety of other characterisation techniques, such as electron microscopy, cell cycling, and conductivity measurements the structural and electrochemical properties will be correlated.
Main research interests
• Lithium-ion batteries
• Lithium-sulfur batteries
• Solid-state batteries
• Battery management systems