PhD in the design of cathode-electrolyte interphases for durable and safe high-energy density lithium-ion batteries

Published: 2023-09-13

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 290 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website. (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1).

Project description
The primary duty focus of this PhD project will be on designing superior cathode-electrolyte interphases to enhance the durability and safety of high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. This involves understanding the effects of cathode surfaces and liquid electrolyte formulations on the formation and evolution of cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) and the related ageing mechanisms and thermal stability. The interfacail behaviours in lithium-ion battereis are complicated and involve several chemical and electrochemical reactions dertermining the electrochemical performance and safety issues of battereis. The purpose therefore is to realize durable and safe high energy-density batteries by controlling the cathode and electrolyte in order to determine the key parameters for the formation of robust CEIs.

The project will require use of advanced electrochemical methods and analytical tools such as X-ray photoelectron / absorption spectroscopies, electron microscopy and mass spectroscopy as well as thermal analysis techniques. Different aspects of cathode and electrolyte will be investigated including physico-chemical properites of Ni-rich cathode material (e.g. surface composition and morphology) and electroltye components (e.g.additives), the influence of temperature and operating voltages. The ultimately, this project aims to fill knowledge gaps in the battery field and take the next steps in the design and regulation of electrode-electrolyte interfaces for durable and safe lithium-ion batteries.

Duties
The doctoral student will participate in collaborations, planning and conducting experiments, thereby gaining expertise in battery science, electrochemistry, electrolyte formulation, and various analytical techniques.

The main duties involved in the doctoral studies are in conducting research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The student will also take third-cycle courses related to the research topics. The successful candidate is expected to perform high quality research as part of a team, with the aim of disseminating resulting works through high impact peer-reviewed journals, and at national and international conferences.

Requirements
The candidate must have:

• been awarded a second-cycle qualification in chemistry, physics or materials science, or
• satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• knowledges of material science and electrochemical energy storage systems
• skills in high-quality academic writing (e.g. research articles, thesis and project reports), as well as very good oral proficiency in English.
• ability to articulate clearly, document experimental tasks, and collaborate in a research environment

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional qualifications

• Previous experience in the research field of electrochemical energy storage, particularly batteries
• Previous research experience on materials surface modification and interfacial characterization

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 November 2023 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position, please contact: Haidong Liu (Haidong.liu@kemi.uu.se), Maria Hahlin (maria.hahlin@kemi.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 6th of October 2023, UFV-PA 2023/3362. 

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