Recent investigations in my laboratory suggest that Prussian Blue, particularly copper Prussian Blue analogues, can serve as effective cathode hosts for a dual ion–zinc battery system. These materials are attractive due to their open framework structure, tunable composition, and ability to accommodate multivalent ions, making them promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices. The proposed work will build on these findings by systematically exploring Prussian Blue and its analogues to further enhance electrochemical performance, particularly with respect to capacity and cycling stability. A key focus of the study will be understanding the role of structural water content, which appears to be a critical parameter influencing ion transport and, consequently, electrode performance. The project will involve the synthesis of Prussian Blue materials under varying conditions, followed by detailed characterisation to identify the factors governing water incorporation and structural stability. These materials will then be evaluated as cathodes through battery fabrication and electrochemical testing. Overall, the work aims to establish structure–property relationships that can guide the design of high-capacity, stable electrodes for zinc ion battery systems. Students undertaking this project are not expected to have prior experience in electrochemistry, as the necessary background and training will be provided during the course of the project.

(1) Palacios-Corella, M.; Echevarria, I.; Santana Santos, C.; Schuhmann, W.; Ventosa, E.; Ibáñez, M. Prussian Blue Analogues as Anode Materials for Battery Applications: Complexities and Horizons. Chem. Mater. 2025, 37 (12), 4203–4226. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.5c00213.

(2) Li, Y.; Zhao, J.; Hu, Q.; Hao, T.; Cao, H.; Huang, X.; Liu, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Lin, D.; Tang, Y.; Cai, Y. Prussian Blue Analogs Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries. Materials Today Energy 2022, 29, 101095. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtener.2022.101095.