PhD student in Development of Transition Metal Nitroprussides as High Capacity Electrodes in 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 220 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.

The successful applicant will perform fundamental research on the use of transition metal nitroprussides (TM-NPs) as electrode materials in batteries. TM-NPs are a largely unexplored class of materials related to the currently commercialised Prussian blue analogue (PBAs) family used in sustainable batteries. Their key advantage over PBAs comes from the incorporation of an additional anionic redox center, the nitrosyl ligand, and rich structural diversity. In combination, these two features promise a significantly boosted specific and volumetric energy density. With a wider diversity of structures comes increased complexity and new, exciting scientific challenges. Thus, the goal of this research project is to perform pioneering research into the structure-property relationships of TM-NPs used as electrode materials for batteries. In particular, to understand the redox behaviour of the nitrosyl ligand and how TM-NPs structure and composition influencing its activity.

To this end a combination of diffraction and spectroscopic methods will be employed to understand the structure and properties of TM-NPs. In particular, the project will leverage the unique in house expertise with operando diffraction analysis to study the structural changes taking place inside a battery during operation. This method will be complemented with X-ray absorption, and IR spectroscopy studies (both post-mortem and during battery operation)  through national and international collaborations. Other supportive characterization tools available in house can be implemented depending on the ambition of the student. For example, Mössbauer spectroscopy, thermal analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy and electron microscopy.

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Duties
The student is expected to investigate the potential of transition metal nitroprussides to be used as electrodes in high capacity energy storage devices. This will involve the solution based synthesis of various nitroprusside compounds and characterisation of their initial structure and composition using diffraction, spectroscopic techniques (eg IR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy), elemental and thermal analysis methods. Subsequently, how the material responds during electrochemical cycling in a battery will be investigated via in situ  and operando methods. The student will receive training in the interpretation and analysis of diffraction and spectroscopic data. The student can expect a project heavily based in inorganic chemistry and will also have access to courses that solidify this knowledge.

The student must design, plan and execute the experimental work, occasionally in collaboration with other researchers nationally and internationally, 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. Finally the student is expected to participate in all mandantory group activities, including becoming the responsible person for specific lab equipment. The research group is a highly collaborative environment and thus the sharing of expertise and knowledge is expected.

The project will involve applying for and travelling to international facilities such as the ISIS neutron facility, the Alba synchrotron light source in Spain, DESY synchrotron light source in Germany and the MaxIV synchrotron light source in Lund. Further, the student will be provided financial support for attending local and international conferences on a yearly basis.

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%).

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
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• 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 organisational discipline, collaborative skills, drive and willingness to take initiative, enthusiasm and independence. Finally, how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Additional qualifications
Previous practical experience with inorganic synthesis and interpretation of powder diffraction data is considered an advantage. Previous project work that demonstrates deductive, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills is an advantage.

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

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2022-06-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

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.

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

Please submit your application by 13th of April 2022, UFV-PA 2022/1144.

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