PhD in operandi ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy for battery applications - 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 200 employees and has a turnover of 200 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.

Description of research project: Energy storage becomes increasingly important in systems that utilized renewable energy sources, e.g. solar and wind power, and here batteries play an important role. The redox reactions involved in energy conversion in batteries occur at the interface between the solid electrode and the electrolyte. Upon battery use oxidation occur at the anode and reduction occur at the cathode. In a rechargeable battery the reversed reactions is enabled through input of energy. At these functional interfaces also unwanted side reactions occur, e.g. dissolution of electrode materials, decomposition of electrolyte, which influence the long-term stability of the battery. To develop the batteries of the future requires atomic level knowledge of how and why all reactions in the electrode/electrolyte interface occur. Photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) is one of the most powerful methods to obtain this knowledge. This is attributed to a surface sensitivity in nanometer range, element and oxidation state sensitivity of PES. With the development of new instrumentation it is now possible to study the functional interfaces during operation, i.e. operandi measurement. The research project involves development of operando ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (APPES) experimental methodologies for studying the functional battery interface. This involves performing operandi APPES and comparing results to PES and other electrochemical methods obtained at both synchrotron laboratories as well as in house instrumentation.

Work duties: 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%).

The student will focus on methodology development of operandi APPES for battery applications, compare these with results from PES mearuements as well as from electrochemical methods. The student must design, plan and execute the experimental work, 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. APPES is mainly availible at natioanl and international synkrotron facilities, thus the student is expected to travel, usually around 1-3 weeks per semester. Finally the student is expected to participate in all mandantory group activities, including becoming the responsible person for specific lab equipment.

Eligibility 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.

Required qualifications:

• degree or equivalent as above in chemistry or physics.
• very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Desirable requirements:

Student should 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 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.

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

Starting date: 01-09-2020 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Maria Hahlin, maria.hahlin@kemi.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 7 August 2020, UFV-PA 2020/1938.

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