Outline

Smart wearable electronics that are fabricated on fabrics or textile substrates are of importance for next-generation portable electronic device systems. Ideal wearable and portable applications not only require the device to be integrated into various fiber form factors but also desire self-powered system in such a way that the devices can be continuously supplied with power as well as simultaneously save the acquired energy for their portability and sustainability. Nevertheless, most of all self-powered wearable electronics, requiring both the generation of the electricity and storing of the harvested energy, which has been developed so far, have employed externally connected individual energy generation and storage devices. In this project, a hybrid smart fibre that exhibits a spontaneous energy generation and storage process within a single fibre device that does not need an external electric circuit/connection will be introduced. This is achieved through the employment of asymmetry coaxial structure in an electrolyte system of the supercapacitor that creates potential difference upon the creation of the triboelectric charges. This project can provide great opportunities to developing countries who have limited power supply as a sustainable remote health monitoring platforms for Well-Being.

What is funded

Funding covers a three-year studentship award with a full waiver of overseas PhD tuition fees, as well as an annual stipend at UKRI level (for 2020/21 it is £15,285). This is subject to satisfactory progress.

If an applicant has either a tuition-fee only or stipend-only award, they are eligible to apply but you will not receive double-funding.

Eligibility

Applicants must be nationals of (or permanently domiciled in) from the world’s Least Developed and Other Low Income Countries based on the DAC list of ODA Recipients 2020 (list of eligible countries are listed below).

Applicants must:

• meet the entrance criteria for your chosen PhD programme

• be liable to pay overseas tuition fees

• not have been awarded another scholarship covering both tuition fees and stipend.

For further information and eligibility, please see: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/funding-and-fees/internat…

Candidates should hold a good bachelor’s degree (first or upper second-class honours degree) or a MSc degree in Physics or a related subject.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

How to Apply

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/progra…) including:

• an upload of your CV

• a personal statement/covering letter

• two references

• Current academic transcripts

Applicants should select Doctor of Philosophy, with a start date of January 2021

In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided. In the funding section, please specify that you wish to be considered for the ‘V-C’s International Scholarships for Research Excellence’