Imperial Materials

Name: Srikar Varanasi

Position: MSc student studying Advanced Materials Science and Engineering. 

In this blog post, Srikar shares more about his journey in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London.

Why did you choose to study for an MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering?

With a background in mechanical engineering, I spent years learning about mechanics, dynamics, and the intricacies of designing and analyzing mechanical systems. However, I was curious about what makes materials behave the way they do. What gives materials their strength? How are they made? What happens at the atomic level when materials interact? And how do you study them? This curiosity led me to materials science, a field that sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering, providing answers to these questions and offering endless possibilities for innovation. When it came to choosing where to further my studies, Imperial stood out with its strong reputation in research and the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the field, making it the perfect choice. 

What do you enjoy about studying at Imperial?

Living in London has been a childhood dream come true. The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment. Whether it’s visiting world-renowned museums, exploring myriad parks and historic landmarks, or indulging in the vibrant food scene, there’s always something to do.

Moreover, being in London means being at the heart of a major global city which is a hub for many industries and, of course, research. The proximity has provided me with opportunities for networking and attending industry conferences and events. Another great aspect of studying at Imperial is its student diversity. I have met people from various parts of the world, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and group projects, making the learning experience more holistic. 

What have you enjoyed about the course?

The course has been both challenging and rewarding. I have chosen to study the ceramics modules and materials characterization exercise was a great learning experience. Having no prior experience in characterization techniques, the exercise helped me grasp how materials are studied at a fundamental level.

As a student from a different background, the course has given me enough time to catch up with my peers. Even though it is just one year long, it doesn’t feel rushed. The pacing has been well-balanced, allowing for deep dives into complex topics without feeling overwhelming. The course includes seminars and guest lectures from industry leaders and researchers, providing insights into the latest advancements and trends in materials science. These opportunities to learn from and network with professionals are invaluable. 

Can you tell us about your summer project?

This summer, I’m working on an exciting project related to composite materials, specifically focusing on Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) used in offshore pipelines. The aim of my research is to understand how these composite materials degrade when exposed to petroleum products, ultimately leading to failure.

CFRP is widely used in the oil and gas industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. However, the harsh environmental conditions in offshore applications, combined with prolonged exposure to petroleum products, can lead to degradation over time.

My project involves simulating these conditions in the lab to study the degradation mechanisms at play. Through a series of experiments, I’m analysing how components of petroleum interact with the interface between the polymer matrix and carbon fibres, which is the most crucial part responsible for transferring the stress from the matrix to the fibres, thus giving them strength in the first place. This involves using advanced material characterization techniques such as in-situ SEM techniques to observe changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites. 

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

This research is crucial because it addresses a significant challenge in maintaining the integrity and safety of offshore pipelines. By improving our understanding of material degradation, we can help prevent pipeline failures, which can have severe environmental and economic consequences.

Prior to this, I worked on the structural integrity of aircraft structures using CFRP during my undergraduate project. This experience gave me a solid foundation in understanding the mechanical properties and advantages of CFRP in high-stress applications. It also sparked my interest in exploring how these materials perform in different environments, leading me to my current research on their degradation in offshore settings. 

What’s something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an avid explorer and hiker. I have a deep love for adventure and discovering new places. I’m known for embarking on journeys where I’d happily walk 40,000 steps if it meant encountering something I’d never seen before. Whether it’s trekking through rugged mountains or exploring hidden trails, I find joy in immersing myself in nature and embracing the thrill of exploration. 

Read MSc spotlight: Srikar Varanasi on his MSc journey and research project in full

June is Pride Month when the LGBTQ+ communities come together to celebrate the freedom to be their authentic self. During this time, we also recognise the influence LGBTQ+ people have had on history around the world.

Pronoun badges and rainbow lanyards play a valuable role in supporting our community and fostering a more inclusive environment. We are delighted to share we now have new pronoun badges and rainbow lanyards for everyone in the Department of Materials. These were designed with support from our Equality, Diversity, and Culture Committee.

Below, some members of our LGBTQ community and allies share what pronoun badges and rainbow lanyards mean to them.

Darakshan Khan, EDCC Committee Co-Chair 

“Our new lanyards and pronoun badges show our commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality in the Department. By wearing them, we can actively show our support for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Evan Fisher, Research Postgraduate

“When I see people wearing badges or lanyards, I know that the people around me will be supportive and that I don’t need to worry about being myself. As someone who finds stating preferred pronouns quite difficult or awkward, our new badges are a subtle way to express that aspect of yourself by showing, not telling. Wearing a pronoun badge is important to me because allows those who aren’t as set in their preferred pronouns to feel comfortable in experimenting with different badges. This allows some people the ability to start exploring their gender identity, knowing they are in a judgement-free environment.

The lanyards are a great way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community, and if some people aren’t comfortable with their preferred pronouns yet, then they help convey support. By colour-coding them, with increased familiarity, it should be possible to know someone’s preferred pronouns without reading!

Professor Aron Walsh, Professor of Materials Design

“I wear a rainbow lanyard as a sign of inclusion for our staff and students. It is essential that the LGBTQ+ community feels welcome from the moment they enter our department. Over the years, our rainbow lanyards have stimulated many conversations, from how we can improve and celebrate our department’s diversity.”

Dr Andrew Cairns, Lecturer in Materials Chemistry

“For me, it’s important to recognise and celebrate everyone’s identity; pride and pronouns are just some ways we can do this. Creating a space for individuality at work sends a message that everyone is welcome here and will be respected.”

Dr Shelly Conroy, Lecturer in Functional Thin Films & Microscopy

“Visibility is key to a welcoming environment. I hope our new lanyards and pins help our students and staff feel at home in our department and Imperial community.”

Dr Jessica Wade, Lecturer in Functional Materials

“I wear a lanyard and a pronoun badge to tell the world that Imperial is a safe space, helping to overcome the discrimination LGBTQ+ people face and that we’re committed to building a more inclusive future.”

If you are a staff member or student in the Department of Materials, you can collect a new rainbow lanyard or pronoun badge from Monday 1 July, onwards. 

Read Celebrating Pride Month: Supporting an inclusive community in full

Name: Kevin Chen

Position: Second-year Undergraduate Student, MEng Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials. 

In this blog post, Kevin explains the three reasons why he enjoys studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial. 

1: Combination of coursework and exams

One of the top reasons I enjoy studying Material Science and Engineering at Imperial is the mix of coursework and exams within the degree program. I’m currently going strong in my second year (I hope!) and I have already completed over ten labs, where I’ve conducted interesting experiments like polymer synthesis and cooling curve measurement.

I’ve also worked in groups to undertake computing and design challenges, some of which lasted up to half a year and included working groups of more than ten people! These labs and projects not only helped consolidate the knowledge from lectures and develop collaboration skills, but they have also helped me get to know many people from the cohort, some of whom are now my closest friends. 

2: Skills I can apply in the real world

It is always exciting when what you learn connects with the real world. During my summer internship at SKF Sweden, I saw and applied many skills from my first year. The sample preparation skills I learned came in handy when I cut, ground, and polished various bearing samples. My understanding of steel phase diagrams also allowed me to hold insightful conversations with the company’s heat treatment expert. Now in my second year, many things that I didn’t understand before are becoming clearer and clearer. 

3: Positive community 

In my opinion, the Department of Materials is a very positive and close-knit community. We are encouraged to learn together and help each other, and the department listens to student feedback and tries to support the students better every year. One of my favourite things is definitely the “pet-a-dog” sessions during exam season, where students are invited to sign up for a session to be blessed by a living fluff. My only complaint was how fast my allocated time seemed to finish!  

As a competitive swimmer, I train and race with the Imperial Swimming Club, where I meet students who, while challenged by their degrees, still find time to have fun and enjoy life. Being surrounded by such people is a privilege.

Read Three reasons why I enjoy studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial in full

Name: Inês Gomes Pádua

Degree: MEng Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials

Graduation Year: 2021

Current role: Heat and Mass Transfer Engineer at ASML San Diego

What is your current job?

I work as a Heat and Mass Transfer Engineer at ASML San Diego. ASML is a Dutch company based in Veldhoven, NL, with several offices worldwide. The San Diego office is responsible for developing the light sources of ASML’s lithography machines.

What do you do in your job?

I work on EUV (Extreme Ultra-Violet) light sources for the most advanced lithography machines that ASML produces. Specifically, I work in tin management: the light needed to achieve the EUV wavelengths is produced by aiming a powerful laser at minuscule droplets of tin to create a plasma. So, how do we ensure that only the light is transmitted to the rest of the machine and that the tin plasma, vapour and debris are properly disposed of? That’s where my team comes in!

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering?

I first became interested in Materials Science and Engineering because I wanted to understand what makes certain things more fragile than others or more susceptible to breaking and failure! This is only the smallest part of Materials Science and Engineering, as I would discover during my time at Imperial.

Working in the semiconductors industry is very rewarding and, honestly, sometimes a little surreal. I work at one of the most important companies in the chipmaking supply chain. It’s incredible technology. The kind of innovation supported by newer, more advanced microchips like the ones ASML helps to manufacture is, simply put, very cool.

What did you enjoy most about the course at Imperial?

I really enjoyed the practical aspect of the MSE course. It’s taught me how to handle laboratory and cleanroom work very well and manage all the unexpected problems that come with hands-on work. It wasn’t always easy, and there were a lot of failed experiments in undergrad, but certainly where I gained the most from.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

I have to say moving to California is pretty amazing. I’m so grateful to work at such an international company and to experience a different work culture, a highly specialised team of engineers coming together to push the edges of engineering and physics. And then I can go surfing afterwards! I can hardly believe it myself.

From a technical standpoint, the coolest thing I’ve done so far is contributing to the development and production of the first high-NA EUV light source, which is currently at Intel’s Oregon Factory.

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Bronze. Firstly, there’s an entire era of humanity named the Bronze Age! As someone who works with tin and works with the consequences of tin reacting with other materials, I always find satisfaction in knowing that we’ve conquered bronze.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Be a jack of all trades! Materials Science and Engineering is one of the most interdisciplinary degrees you can pursue at Imperial. It’s at the crossroads of all sciences and engineering, bringing together a diverse group of minds, skills and ideas!

My degree has enabled me to connect and learn from all my colleagues, correlate seemingly disconnected concepts, and discover new perspectives on problem-solving. Beyond the technical skills, take pride in your hobbies and passions and the skills you learn while playing sports, music, video games, etc. What are you learning could make you a better engineer!

Read Alumni spotlight: Inês Gomes Pádua in full

Name: Parul Bishnoi

Position: PhD Student in the Department of Materials

Research Group: Dr Stella Pedrazzini

Research Focus: Understanding the basic mechanisms of Under Deposit Corrosion (UDC), a major problem for industries using steam generators.

What inspired you to study for a PhD? During my school years, I always had a passion for STEM subjects. I gradually became more involved in Materials Science during my bachelor’s studies. I found it fascinating how interdisciplinary it is and how it combines knowledge from different areas such as chemistry, physics, and engineering. Materials Science also resonated with me because it provides progress to various societal challenges.

During my master’s studies, I had the opportunity to do my master’s project as part of an Erasmus program in Dr. Stella Pedrazzini’s research group. I quickly felt at home both in London and within the research group.

Can you tell us more about your research?

My research investigates the fundamental mechanisms behind Under Deposit Corrosion (UDC). UDC  poses significant challenges for industries relying on steam generators. These tubes are susceptible to UDC which occurs beneath deposits, leading to localized and unpredictable damage. Some key characteristics of this corrosion include the presence of porous deposit layers, high concentrations of chloride within these deposits, and the formation of complex laminated corrosion product layers.

To mimic real-world conditions in the lab, I expose low-alloy steel samples to a nickel chloride solution in pressurized containers, adjusting various parameters. This method aims to recreate the layered corrosion seen in steam generators. Understanding this type of corrosion is tough due to its unpredictable nature and the difficulties in experimenting, but it’s crucial for keeping steam generator components in good shape. Corrosion leads to expensive replacements and higher energy use in steel production, affecting finances and the environment. By studying this corrosion, we aim to improve operating conditions and reduce maintenance time.

What does a typical day involve?

Some days, I spend most of my time in the lab, conducting experiments and using advanced characterization techniques such as XCT (a way to see inside materials using X-rays) and SEM (a microscope that allows us to see tiny details on surfaces) coupled with EDX (a tool to identify elements in a sample) to analyse corrosion products. On other days, I am primarily at my computer, analysing data, answering emails, attending meetings, updating my industrial collaborator on the latest developments, reading papers to stay up-to-date, or working on writing publications or my thesis. I also work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and am an active Departmental Student Ambassador. 

Can you tell us more about your research group?

I’m part of two research groups. My main supervisor is Dr Stella Pedrazzini and my secondary supervisor is Professor Mary Ryan. My project is supervised by two successful women and I’m fortunate to work in a diverse and inclusive environment. Recently, some of our research group members, including myself, attended the TMS Conference in Florida.

What do you enjoy outside of your PhD?

Coming from Austria and having grown up in the Alpine foothills, I am passionate about spending time in the mountains. Whether hiking, skiing or mountaineering, being surrounded by nature helps me recharge. Living in London, I enjoy exploring the vibrant city. From visiting museums and galleries to attending theatre performances, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Read PhD spotlight: Tackling a Major Challenge in Steam Generators in full

Name: Abhi Rajendran

Position: Undergraduate Student in the Department of Materials and co-founder of AminoAnalytica

Abhi has co-founded a new start-up, and AminoAnalytica is participating in this year’s Venture Catalyst Challenge, Imperial College London’s flagship entrepreneurial competition.

Can you tell us more about your company?

One of the main challenges when making drugs is that it takes a long time to test them in a laboratory. A lot of time and cost is spent on screening thousands of proteins in a lab, often to find only one has a chance of making it to a phase-one clinical trial. It can cost over $1000 to physically screen a single compound, making this process incredibly wasteful.

Our new company, AminoAnalytica, is an AI company working in protein-based therapeutics. We aim to develop an AI tool that predicts the physical properties of drugs before they are synthesised in the real world, ensuring that only effective drugs are developed.

Long term, we are aiming to form strategic partnerships with biotech companies where we can combine their in-house data with our proprietary datasets to develop the most accurate virtual screening method for protein-based therapeutics.

What was the inspiration behind starting your company?

I took a deep dive into the world of protein modelling as part of my MEng project with Dr Stefano Angioletti-Uberti. This was a new space for me, but I did have some prior experience in data-driven environments, which was quite applicable. As soon as I started to see promising technical results from my project, I reached out to my housemate Adam Wu who graduated from the Department of Materials last year.

Using his experience in business consulting, we assessed the market and made a few calculations to see if there was potential in the property prediction space. From there, we applied to the Imperial Venture Catalyst Challenge and got accepted onto the 2024 AI x Robotics track.

Starting a business as a student or new graduate can be challenging. Have you had any obstacles and how have you navigated these? 

At this stage in our careers, it has been challenging to grow a significant network in the biotech/pharma space—this makes everything from customer discovery to idea refinement and feedback challenging. Fortunately, the Imperial Enterprise Lab has been incredibly helpful in perfecting our approach to reaching out, and we’ve met some very useful people as a result.

In addition to this, we have become involved in several student-led organisations, such as Nucleate (a biotech community), which has been great for sparking interesting conversations with academics and industry leaders.

Are there any key lessons or skills you’ve learned through the process?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, just be honest about what you know and what you are after – most people are out to help you!

Since publishing this post, AminoAnalytica reached the finals of the Venture Catalyst Challenge, Imperial’s flagship entrepreneurial competition, and won the AI and Robotics track. This achievement secured £10,000 in funding. Now, they have been accepted into the Y Combinator program 2024.

Read Start-up insights: AminoAnalytica in full

Name: Ramin Jannat

Position: PhD student in the Department of Materials.

Research Group: Professor Mary Ryan

Research Focus: Understanding lithium-ion battery degradation – key to improving technologies like laptops to e-bikes. 

What inspired you to study for a PhD?

I always knew that I wanted to do a PhD because I loved the idea of having a specific research question and dedicating time to answering it (or trying to, at least!). I did my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at UCL, and my master’s project, supervised by Dr Yang Lan, revolved around investigating the colloidal stability of coronavirus-like particles, a highly relevant project during the pandemic.

The only question I had was, ‘Which field do I want to study in?’ This question was quickly answered when I took three modules related to energy sources. I immediately learnt about how crucial renewable sources play in transitioning our world to net zero. The idea of being able to contribute directly to society and have the opportunity to work with some fantastic researchers is definitely a ‘pinch me’ feeling!

Can you tell us more about your research?

What does a typical day involve?

One of the best parts of a PhD is how varied the days are. It’s essentially a four-year project, which means there are many tasks to get on with and these tasks differ depending on the stage of your PhD and personal deadlines.

Recently, I’ve been spending my mornings in the lab synthesising electrode materials (which involves a lot of stirring) or coin cell batteries. Testing the battery performance immediately after assembling them is always slightly stressful as you can expect at least one to fail! My afternoons are generally spent on my desk, analysing data, making presentation slides or reviewing current literature. My days can also consist of teaching undergraduate students (as a Graduate Teaching Assistant) or supervising master’s students.

Can you tell us more about your research group?

My project ties in electrochemistry with complex materials characterisation techniques and because of this, I have several research groups spanning different research themes. I work primarily under Professor Mary Ryan(Fig. 2a), whose large interdisciplinary group covers nanoscale science and interfaces, including energy materials, bio-sensors and corrosion science.

I also work with Professor Baptiste Gault (Fig. 2b), who spends his time between Imperial and Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung in Düsseldorf and whose research group specialises in APT and correlative TEM for various applications.

My other research groups include the Conroy group, led by Dr Shelly Conroy (Fig. 2c), and the Interfacial Electrochemistry group, led by Professor Ifan Stephens (Fig. 2d). The research of the former focuses on APT and TEM (particularly 4D-STEM strain analysis) and is part of the cryo-EPS facility at Imperial, while Stephens’ group focuses on the large-scale electrochemical conversion of renewable energy to fuels, namely via LIBs, catalysis and fuel cells.

What do you enjoy outside of your PhD?

I like to unwind from my PhD by trying out new recipes, whether cooking or baking. As science experiments tend to require careful measurements, cooking is generally more flexible and gives me the chance to be slightly more creative. I also enjoy practising creativity through art, especially hyper-realistic drawings and paintings.

I still enjoy the science realm outside of my PhD, often engaging in outreach events, including school presentations and Student Ambassador days for upcoming engineering students. We also have several group lunches/ dinners per year as part of a research group, including the most recent Christmas lunch with the Conroy group (Fig. 3)!

References:

[1] Babu G, Ajayan PM. Good riddance, dendrites. Nature Energy.

Read PhD Spotlight: Transforming battery technologies in full

February is LGBTQ+ History Month! This year’s theme is ‘Medicine under the scope’. We spoke with our Student Wellbeing Advisor, Olly Swanton about the importance of support in the LGBTQ+ community and how to be an ally.

During LGBTQ+ History Month, we celebrate important figures from the past and remember their impact on our community and in their respective fields. It’s a time to recognise the roots of the LGBTQ+ community, including the origin of the LGBT acronym. Did you know lesbians were at the forefront of helping gay men with medical care during the 1980s AIDS epidemic, and as a result, the order of the ‘L’ became the first letter of the acronym most used today?

This month also allows us to consider how medicine and mental health support have developed over the years. According to a report by the Institute of Physics, Astronomical Society and Royal Society of Chemistry, 28% of LGBTQ+ scientists in the UK have considered leaving their jobs because of discrimination at work. The Mental Health Foundation highlight how members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a greater risk of a hate crime, and MIND shares that LGBTQ+ people are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience a mental health struggle. These are important issues that can affect the lives of LGBTQ+ people and show the importance of seeking support and supporting those around you.

What you should do if you need support?

Something that many of us have experienced is struggling to talk about how we feel, as there can be a huge pressure to present as being in control. Over the years, I have experienced how talking about our struggles can help us truly understand our thoughts and feelings and give us a wider perspective on possible solutions to our issues. This understanding came from volunteering as a Samaritan in London for over a year, which led me to my journey to becoming a Psychodynamic Counsellor. I remember what it was like (many years ago) to worry about my own sexuality and how it might impact my life. For anyone who might be reading this and is dealing with any kind of struggle, please know you are not alone and that you can reach out to a Student Wellbeing Advisor. You can also find dedicated LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support online if you would prefer.

At Imperial, we have a strong LGBTQ+ community (Imperial600 for staff and Imperial IQ for students) with radio shows, networking events and even picnic lunches – why not get involved?

How can you be a better ally?

Be visible in your support, avoid assumptions, speak up and listen. What helped me was being fortunate enough to have people around me who let me talk about how I was feeling, without any judgement and with full confidentiality, until I felt ready to be free and open with who I was. Everyone deserves that support and containment. It can take time to feel comfortable to talk about anything that makes us feel vulnerable so know you will never be pressured to talk unless you want to.

I find wearing our rainbow lanyards and lifting LGBTQ+ voices makes a big difference in showing that you are an ally and that the environment is inclusive and welcoming.

You can find out more about being a better ally on our website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/equality/resources/lgbtq-equality/

Read Supporting the LGBTQ+ community and how to be a better ally in full

Name: Victor Klippgen

Position: Undergraduate student in the Department of Materials

Victor recently attended the World Economic Forum at Davos 2024. In this blog post, he reflects on his experience and shares more insights he gained during the event.

What motivated you to attend Davos?

My involvement with Davos stemmed from my past work with Det Moderne India (DMI), a non-profit based in Norway. DMI invited me to participate in Davos, where I was tasked with documenting the discussions of their roundtable event on sustainability through video and photography.

How was your experience?

My experience at Davos surpassed all my expectations. I was in a melting pot of esteemed individuals, from CEOs to academics. The streets were buzzing with excitement as companies showcased their technological advancements and visions for the future. Everywhere I turned, there was something happening. In one moment, I was having my face scanned for an AI exhibition; the next, I was listening to Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, share his insights on the future macroeconomic outlook during a live CNBC interview.

Were there any particular sessions or speakers that made a lasting impression on you?

Several sessions and speakers left a lasting impression on me. One highlight was having the opportunity to engage with two battery company CEOs over drinks, discussing the future of renewable energy and sustainable technology. Additionally, speaking with a graphene expert about AI methods for materials discovery was incredibly insightful, particularly as I plan to pursue further studies in computational materials science.

Were there any trends you found particularly relevant to your current studies or future career goals?

AI technology was a major trend at Davos this year, capturing my interest for its potential to accelerate materials discovery and enhance the accuracy of electronic structure calculations. Before AI, computational methods for predicting the properties of materials encountered significant accuracy issues for certain systems and were limited to a few hundred atoms. However, the advent of machine learning is revolutionising the landscape. The introduction of AI to materials discovery and electronic structure calculations is particularly exciting, and I hope to contribute to this rapidly advancing field in the future.

What was your biggest takeaway?

My exposure to high-level discussions on generative AI, sustainability, and the macroeconomic picture provided valuable insights. However, what intrigued me the most was experiencing tangible progress towards a sustainable future. One notable example was NEOM’s presentation of “THE LINE” project—a linear smart city under construction in Saudi Arabia, spanning 170 kilometres and designed to accommodate 9 million people, all powered entirely by renewable energy.

My most significant takeaway from Davos is a sense of optimism for the future. Amidst a turbulent political climate and uncertain macroeconomic outlook, witnessing tangible progress and innovative solutions first-hand instilled a sense of hope. Davos served as a powerful reminder of our capacity for progress and the efficacy of collective action in tackling global challenges.

Read Davos 2024: A glimpse through the eyes of an undergraduate student in full

Name: Connor Wright

Position: PhD Student in the Department of Materials

Research Group: Professor Mary Ryan

Research Focus: Connor is part of the newly founded InFUSE Prosperity Partnership, linking Imperial research with state-of-the-art techniques to progress the energy transition. His research focuses on the degradation of Sodium-ion batteries, widely considered the next big thing in battery energy storage.

What inspired you to study for a PhD?

Before university, I didn’t even know that ‘Materials Engineering’ was a thing. As anyone interested in the sciences at school does, I thought my options were limited to medicine, the natural sciences or the more classical engineering routes (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.). It was only a couple of weeks before the UCAS deadline that I discovered – thanks to my sixth form tutor (thanks again, Mr Hunt!) – the wonders of Materials Engineering.

I applied for and got accepted onto the course at the University of Birmingham and have never looked back. The top-down approach, where you start with an application, assess the materials requirements, and then go to work on manipulating materials at the most fundamental level to achieve these, was something that really resonated with me. In my third year I chose a battery-related group project, thinking they were a worthy application to focus on with this top-down approach. In my Masters’ year, I again chose batteries for my individual project, focusing more on recycling. Continuing onto a PhD was the logical next step. I love the research culture, and where better to go than Imperial!

Can you tell us more about your research?

I focus on cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (NIBs). Like lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that we all have in our mobile phones, NIBs work by shuttling and storing positively charged ions and atoms, respectively, between two electrodes. The key difference is that NIBs use sodium, which is cheaper and more sustainable than lithium but heavier and less energy-dense. These properties make NIBs suitable for large-scale energy storage solutions and very suitable for renewable energy conversion like wind and solar. While current grid-scale storage relies heavily on pumped hydro, its cost and geographical constraints limit its global application. NIBs could be the bridge to a fully decarbonised society.

My work aims to understand why some promising NIB materials degrade as fast as they do. I engineer methods to study these materials at the smallest scale and in real-time, as they charge and discharge. These specific techniques are labelled ‘operando’.

At the UK’s national synchrotron facility, I conduct experiments that involve firing high-energy X-rays into my batteries to gather all sorts of useful (and awesome) information. One key technique, X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), provides insights into the chemical and electronic structure of the host electrode material. Looking for unusual changes in the XAS signal as my target electrode charges/discharges is a large part of what I do as a researcher.

What does a typical day involve?

A typical day would see me in the lab making and testing batteries. Production is a complicated and multi-step process, so depending on which stage I’m at, this could mean using furnaces, slurry mixers, coating machines, or the testing/cycling rig. Most days will also involve some sort of data analysis, either cycling data from the lab or some more hardcore stuff from a recent synchrotron experiment. However, as with all research, no day is ever the same, and things are always changing!

Can you tell us more about your research group?

I work in two different groups, which is not uncommon here at Imperial. My primary supervisor is Prof. Mary Ryan in Materials, but most of my lab work is with Prof. Magda Titirici’s Battery team in Chemical Engineering. In my second year, I organised Mary’s biweekly group meetings and also went to both France and China with Magda’s group for conferences.

What do you enjoy outside of your PhD?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for sport. I’ve played field hockey my whole life, and throughout the PhD is no exception. I also love music and regularly attend a ‘pub choir’ in south London with many friends. Coming from a farm in rural Leicestershire, I also need my regular dose of fresh air and greenery, so I often take hikes out of London with my girlfriend.

Slightly closer to home, I enjoy my work as an Outreach Ambassador for the Department of Materials. As I said at the start, not many people know about Materials as a field, let alone a degree or career option, and that’s a real shame! I’ve done lab demos at Imperial’s Open Days, helped run stands at public events such as The Great Exhibition Road Festival and even organised my own event for 2023’s Pint of Science Festival.

Read PhD Spotlight: Charging ahead with battery research in full