Dear Professors,
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to present myself and my research directions. My name is Kehui Meng, born in January 1996 in China. I graduated with a master's degree in Analytical Chemistry from Changzhou University in 2023, after completing my undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering and Technology. As a passionate researcher in the field of new energy and lithium battery materials, I am eager to pursue a PhD to enhance my academic abilities, contribute to the advancement of energy technologies, and make meaningful contributions to scientific innovations in the future.
I would like to briefly introduce myself through three main aspects: my research experience, research achievements, and future research plans.
Research Experience:
During my undergraduate studies, I focused on Chemical Engineering, where I deepened my understanding of chemical thermodynamics and process engineering. A highlight of this period was my participation in the National Chemical Engineering Competition, where I was responsible for the heat exchanger network section. Our team received the second prize at the national level and the first prize at the provincial level, which fueled my passion for scientific research and reinforced the importance of focusing on one’s areas of interest to achieve success.
For my master's research, I shifted from organic chemistry to the field of biomedical materials under the guidance of Professor Li Zhongyu at Changzhou University. My research focused on polymer materials, and due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to contribute to the fight against the global health crisis. I successfully synthesized metal/metal oxide nanostructures in 3D bacterial cellulose to create an antibacterial film. This material demonstrated strong antibacterial effects, maintaining over 95% efficacy after repeated use. It has potential applications in products such as face masks and bandages.
Research Achievements:
I have made significant progress in my research, resulting in the following publications and patents:
SCI Paper:
"Organic-free growth of gold nanosheets inside 3D bacterial cellulose as highly efficient and robust antibacterial biopolymers" (DOI: 10.1007/s10853-022-07273-x).
Chinese Paper:
"Study on the construction of CuO based on bacterial cellulose and its antibacterial performance" (DOI: 10.16026/j.cnki.iea.2022020118).
Patent:
"Antibacterial film loaded with gold nanosheets on bacterial cellulose and its preparation method and application" (CN113575612A, Published on November 2, 2021).
These accomplishments have not only helped me hone my research skills in the field of polymer materials but also established a solid foundation for my future academic development.
Future Research Plans:
Looking ahead, my primary research interest lies in the field of lithium battery technology, particularly in solid-state batteries. With the increasing demand for renewable energy, lithium batteries face challenges in energy density, thermal stability, and lifespan. Among various technological approaches, solid-state lithium batteries are emerging as a key development direction due to their higher energy density, thermal stability, and lower risk of combustion.
During my PhD, I plan to focus on the development of key materials for solid-state batteries, especially solid electrolytes. One of the main challenges facing solid-state lithium batteries is improving the ionic conductivity and interface stability of solid electrolytes. I aim to address this by exploring new high-performance ceramic or polymer-based materials and utilizing advanced characterization techniques to enhance the conductivity and overall performance of the materials.
Additionally, I plan to investigate strategies for optimizing the interface layer in solid-state batteries to reduce capacity degradation during long-term use, thereby enhancing the battery's longevity and safety.
Significance and Expected Outcomes:
My research will contribute to the advancement of solid-state lithium battery technology, with significant academic value and practical implications. By developing high-performance solid electrolytes and optimizing the interface layer, my work aims to improve the energy density and lifespan of solid-state batteries while ensuring safety. These advancements will promote the widespread use of lithium batteries in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems.
Conclusion:
Beyond research, I highly value teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. My past research experiences have taught me that scientific progress is not only the result of individual efforts but also depends on collaboration across disciplines. I look forward to joining your PhD program, where I can enhance my academic capabilities and collaborate with experts from different fields to drive innovation in lithium battery technology.
My career goal is to become an expert in the field of new energy, particularly in lithium battery technology, driving the development of innovative materials and translating research outcomes into real-world applications that support global energy transformation and environmental protection. Pursuing a PhD is a crucial step in both my academic and professional journey.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss my research plans and academic goals further with you.
Sincerely,
Kehui Meng
This version covers your research background, achievements, and future plans while also expressing your academic and professional aspirations. Feel free to adjust any details based on the specific program you're applying to or to add any further personal touches!