Ion dynamics in Prussian blue analogues

Professor Mauro Pasta

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) show significant promise as cathode materials for next-generation battery chemistries beyond Li-ion, including Na-ion and K-ion systems1. Their open-framework crystal structure has been speculated to enable rapid ion conduction and fast kinetics. However, recent investigations from our group on K2MnFe(CN)6, the leading K-ion cathode material2, have revealed transport and kinetic properties that fall short of expectations3, which we have attributed to framework flexibility4. In this project, the student will employ a combination of advanced electrochemical characterization techniques (galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) alongside operando spectroscopic methods (XRD and Raman spectroscopy) to investigate ion dynamics in PBA cathodes and establish structure–property relationships.

References

  1. Hurlbutt, K., Wheeler, S., Capone, I. & Pasta, M. Prussian Blue Analogs as Battery Materials. Joule 2, 1950–1960 (2018).
  2. Dhir, S., Wheeler, S., Capone, I. & Pasta, M. Outlook on K-Ion Batteries. Chem 6, 2442–2460 (2020).
  3. Dhir, S. et al. Characterisation and modelling of potassium-ion batteries. Nat. Commun. 15, 7580 (2024).
  4. Cattermull, J. et al. Non-equilibrium Ion Transport in a Hybrid Battery Material. arXiv (2025).
prussian

The description above outlines a possible new research project being offered to prospective new postgraduate students.

For full details of all postgraduate research projects available for new students and how to apply, please see postgraduate projects available.

Note that post-doctoral research positions are advertised under "Work with Us"

Project supervisors can submit details of new projects or provide updates for existing projects.

 

Quickly identify other projects available using the filters below.