PhD in Development if Ni-rich positive electrode materials for high capacitu lithium ion batteries - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 230 employees and has a turnover of 230 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 and civil engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website.

Subject description/research project: The current state of the art cathode materials for lithium ion batteries are known as the Ni-rich “NMC” compounds. The appeal of moving towards Ni-rich compounds is the decreased reliance on the high cost and unethically sourced Co in addition to pushing batteries towards higher energy densities. However, these materials are currently both water and CO2 sensitive increasing the complexity and expense of material handling. In order to develop these materials towards commercial scale and water based processing, the surface degradation and their effect on material transformations during battery cycling must be thoroughly understood. The goal of the current project is to study the effect of surface based degradation of a range of pristine and surface treated NMC compounds from both a surface and a bulk perspective. Thus, a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction will be utilised. In addition, extensive electrochemical testing will be performed to assess material performance in a battery. Finally, concurrent to these studies, method development of advanced in operando and in situ techniques, such as in operando X-ray photoelectron spectrosciopy will take place. The project will involve a large portion of travel to international facilities such as the ISIS neutron facility and the Diamond synchrotron light source in the UK, the DESY synchrotron light source in Germany and the MaxIV synchrotron light source in Lund.

Work duties: The student is expected to study Ni-rich NMC electrode materials provided by our industrial partner using a combination of electrochemical testing, including the construction of half and full cells, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray and neutron diffraction. The student must design, plan and execute the experimental work, occasionally in collaboration with the industrial partner, critically analyse and discuss the results, and present their work orally at scientific conferences and written in the form of papers in peer-reviewed journals.The student will aid with developing new in situ and in operando methods for studying material degradation pathways. Finally the student is expected to participate in all mandantory group activities, including becoming the responsible person for specific lab equipment.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent as above in chemistry or physics
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English

Great emphasis will be placed on the ability to be highly motivated, willing to ask questions and eager to learn new science and show strong perserverence in the face of challenging tasks.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, enthusiasm and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting date: 2020-04-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Dr William Brant, William.brant@kemi.uu.se. Dr Maria Hahlin, Maria.Hahlin@physics.uu.se 

Please submit your application by 9 March 2020, UFV-PA 2020/630.