PhD in Biotechnology

PhD studentship based at the University of Surrey focused on low-carbon upcycling of lithium-ion batteries using a combination of biology, electrochemistry, and plasma technology. The project involves using engineered microbes to release valuable metals, smart electrochemical systems to separate lithium, and plasma technology to regenerate graphite anodes at low temperature. The student will work with end-of-life EV batteries supplied by an industrial recycling partner to recover lithium, nickel, and cobalt, rebuild cathode materials, regenerate graphite anodes using atmospheric-pressure plasma, and assemble new working batteries from recycled components. Access to the Surrey Ion Beam Centre and close collaboration with industry are provided.