IPRI Interview: Zhiqi Chen

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A number of our Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) students have wrapped up their PhD studies and have either recently submitted their thesis or are set to graduate before moving on to their next career adventure. We caught up with a handful of them for our IPRI Interview Series to find out more about their work, how the post-graduate experience was for them, what’s next and more.

After first speaking with Sujani Abeywardena, we now catch up with Zhiqi Chen, who looked at developing intrinsically safe materials for impact-resistant lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for his PhD. We had a chat with him about all of this and more.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Zhiqi. Can you tell us about your PhD research topic? 

Firstly, thank you for providing me with this opportunity to talk about my experience. During my PhD tenure at IPRI, I worked on developing intrinsically safe materials for impact-resistant lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Mechanical abuse can trigger thermal runaway, potentially leading to catastrophic fires or explosions. The aim of the project was to prevent the thermal runaway associated with mechanical abuse. 

This project involved a comprehensive study of three critical elements. They were polymer bridged shear thickening electrolyte, mechanically strong Kevlar electrodes, and Kevlar separators to improve the impact resistance of LIBs. This encompassed material synthesis, structural analysis, electrochemical characterization, and performance optimisation. 

Although challenging, the endeavour rewarded experience and gave me an opportunity to learn polymer chemistry and electrochemical energy storage in depth. The research presented its own obstacles, particularly in achieving high abuse-tolerant properties without compromising electrochemical performance. These challenges required me to facilitate the development of problem-solving skills and adaptability. As a result, the project demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance and high impact resistance, mitigating thermal runaway from mechanical impacts. 

Overall, working at IPRI not only broadened my technical and academic knowledge but also improved my communication and collaborative skills through interactions with colleagues and collaborators. I am proud of what I have achieved during my PhD and I feel that my acquired skills will play a pivotal role in my future endeavors. 

So why did you decide to do a PhD and why specifically at IPRI? 

My decision to pursue a PhD stemmed from a profound passion for scientific discovery and a desire to contribute to the progression of knowledge in materials science, particularly in the field of electrochemical energy storage. The prospect of a PhD offered me a chance to develop specialized expertise, refine research skills, and engage in independent, cutting-edge research. I was particularly drawn to the intellectual challenge of solving complex problems and making a meaningful impact through my work. 

I chose IPRI at the University of Wollongong (UOW) because of its global reputation in advanced materials research, especially in the development of polymer-based technologies and energy storage solutions. 

I was impressed by the Institute’s focus on translating fundamental research into practical applications, which aligned perfectly with my interest in devising innovative real-world solutions. The opportunity to work under A/Prof Caiyun Wang and Dist/Prof Gordon Wallace, along with collaborating with a diverse team of researchers, further solidified my decision. I was confident that IPRI’s supportive and stimulating research environment would be conducive to conducting high-quality research and preparing for my future career in the field. 

What were the biggest things you learned throughout the process? 

My approach to research and professional development has been shaped by the variety of skills and insights I have acquired during my PhD journey at IPRI. This would include technical expertise by deepening my understanding of materials science, problem-solving and adaptability by recognizing that the results of research cannot always be predicted, critical thinking and data analysis, collaboration and communication through participating in IPRI’s collaborative environment and lastly, project management and time management.

Overall, the PhD process taught me the critical thinking skills requisite for systematic problem-solving, an openness to new ideas, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These valuable lessons have equipped me for prospective roles in academia or industry, where innovation and adaptability are key to success. 

What’s next for you? 

After completing my PhD, I am looking forward to applying the gained skills and knowledge to tackle new challenges. In the short term, I am aiming to serve as a research assistant, assisting A/Prof. Caiyun Wang with the moisture driven nanogenerator project and Prof Jun Chen with the Sicona’s project focusing on conductive polymer binders. I would like to contribute to impactful research projects and expand my expertise in the field. 

Looking ahead, I am considering a transition into a role within the defence department. I aspire to bridge the gap between academic research and industry applications, particularly in the development of sustainable and high-performance energy storage solutions. 

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of translating the skills developed during my PhD into concrete outcomes that address real-world challenges. I believe that my technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative experience from my time at IPRI have equipped me for this next phase. 

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome during your PhD? 

One of the biggest challenges I encountered during my PhD was the study deviated from my initial expectations resulting in several unexpected twists. I held a clear vision of its progression when I started, with a focus on integrating shear-thickening electrolytes and Kevlar electrodes for enhanced impact resistance of LIBs. However, unforeseen issues emerged as the experiments progressed, such as low electrochemical performance in Kevlar-based full cells. I had to explore alternative approaches that had not been previously considered to overcome these setbacks. 

This alternation in direction led to a thorough literature study, a reassessment of my experimental methods, and a shift in focus towards other new materials and testing procedures. While it was sometimes discouraging to deviate from the original plan, these difficulties ultimately enriched my understanding of the field and inspired innovative solutions that improved the overall battery performance. 

Adapting to these changes emphasised the importance of flexibility and resilience in research. It became evident that moving forward with a PhD often means embracing uncertainty and being willing to try something new, which can sometimes yield more significant results than anticipated. 

What would be your favourite moment throughout? 

One of the most memorable experiences during my PhD journey was the 2020 ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) Symposium, which was held at IPRI. By bringing together academics from across Australia for a series of workshops and symposiums, ACES was been instrumental in promoting collaboration and innovation in advanced materials. 

The 2020 Symposium held a special significance for me because it provided me the opportunity to meet ACES researchers, many of whom I had previously only known through their publications. It was really motivating to interact with professionals from diverse research backgrounds and discover their innovative work. Furthermore, the feedback received from experts in the field at the event significantly refined my research direction.  

This event will always be remembered because of the sense of community and shared purpose within ACES. I gained a greater understanding of the collaborative spirit that drives advancements in materials science after witnessing firsthand the depth and breadth of knowledge within the ACES network. This experience was transformative by solidifying my passion to contribute to this vibrant research community and reinforcing the value of multidisciplinary collaboration. 

Can you offer any advice to current PhD students who have just started their journey? 

Commencing a PhD journey can be daunting, but it presents a period of growth and opportunity. It is important to remain patient, open to new ideas, and enjoy the process of discovery. 

A PhD is a marathon rather than a sprint. Candidates must keep a sense of curiosity and passion for their research topics, as these attributes will sustain them during challenging periods. Devoting time to mastering the fundamentals of their field and the essential research techniques is crucial. This encompasses acquiring skills in experimental design, conducting literature reviews, analysing data, and utilising pertinent software tools. Establishing a sturdy foundation will streamline the research process. Furthermore, candidates should endeavour to enhance their written and verbal communication skills, which are fundamental facets of the PhD experience such as writing papers, participating in conferences, and engaging in research discussions with peers. 

Ultimately, while PhD programs may induce stress, prioritizing mental and physical well-being is paramount. Allocating time for hobbies, exercise, and social interactions beyond academia is indispensable. A PhD is not only about achieving a result but also about the journey toward becoming an autonomous researcher. Candidates should focus on acquiring new skills, developing insights, and contributing expertise to their field. Setbacks are inherent in the learning process. 

Best of luck to all!

Thanks for that, Zhiqi - and congratulations once more.

Zhiqi will graduate at next week’s University of Wollongong ceremony on October 29. If you are interested in doing a PhD at IPRI, be sure to get in touch with us to chat more about the possibilities at the Institute.