If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship to study in Europe, consider Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands! This top-ranked university is offering a PhD position in the field of nanotechnology. Apply now for the opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers and gain experience in an international environment.
1.PhD on development of new disordered electrode materials for batteries
Development of disordered electrode materials for next-generation batteries
Job description
We will be investigating a new class of materials featuring atomic-scale disorder between mobile light metal ions (A e.g. Li+, Na+) and transition metals (M; e.g. Co, Fe). This is a new concept, in stark contrast to conventional electrode materials in which A and M are perfectly segregated in alternating atomic layers. The disordered materials have already shown great promise for increased performance (higher capacity, higher rate capability, slower aging) that could translate directly to lighter, faster-charging, longer-lasting next-generation batteries, respectively. Beyond performance, the disordered concept allows for more flexibility on the choice of transition metal(s) used which directly affects the economic potential and societal impact in view of battery mass-production. Current state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology heavily relies on cobalt and nickel. These are both rather rare, costly-to-produce (and in the case of cobalt, ethically unacceptable, see e.g. link) metals which go directly against the principles of sustainability, environmental protection and the green energy transition. Disordered structures can accommodate cheap, benign, abundant transition metals such as iron and manganese, paving the way for sustainable mass-deployment of electrochemical energy storage for electric vehicles (electromobility) and renewable energy sources (grid scale). For a deeper dive into the concept and problematics around disordered electrodes, interested candidates are invited to watch a recent webinar of Prof. G. Ceder on the topic (link below).
The candidate will be tasked with the rational synthesis of novel compositions of disordered electrode materials by such means as e.g. solid-state synthesis or mechanochemistry. The average and local structure and atomic-scale disorder will be characterized by advanced diffraction techniques, and the electrical and electrochemical properties via integration in electrochemical cells. The behavior of the materials in working battery cells will be probed directly, leveraging the expertise of the host groups for operando experiments, coupling electrochemical cycling with e.g. diffraction, x-ray spectroscopy and/or NMR spectroscopy. In this manner, the best materials will be selected for long-term cycling and applications in next-generation battery concepts, in particular solid-state batteries in conjunction with solid electrolytes.
The position is partly funded by NWO (nwo.nl) and ALISTORE ERI (alistore.eu), a European consortium of research groups and industrial partners in the field of electrochemical energy storage. The candidate will be part of two labs (1) the Storage of Electrochemical Energy group @ TU Delft led by Prof. M. Wagemaker and (2) the Advanced Electrode Materials group @ CICe led by Dr. M. Cabanas. He/she will be based in Delft with frequent travels to Vitoria and other ALISTORE partners. The candidate will be supervised on a daily basis by Dr. T. Famprikis (Delft) and Dr. M. Reynaud (Vitoria).
See also:
-2020 webinar of Prof. G. Ceder on disordered rock-salt cathodes: https://youtu.be/kh-MCJd2S0g?t=2971
Requirements
Need-to-haves
-university degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or related field
-capacity to communicate effectively in english
-willingness to travel frequently within Europe
-collaborative, open-minded attitude
Nice-to-haves
-knowledge of solid-state chemistry
-experience in inorganic chemical synthesis
(solid-state and/or mechanochemistry)
-experience in electrochemistry of batteries
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy or
any informal questions, please contact Dr. T. Famprikis
(t.famprikis@tudelft.nl).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before October 24st, 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation, CV and recommendation letter or contact info from two references (e.g. from MSc or internship advisor).
2. PhD position “Development and characterization of interphases for next-generation lithium batteries”
Job description
The PhD position will part of the BatteryNL
Dutch battery consortium project focusing on electrolyte-electrode interfaces
in solid-state batteries. In this project 17 PhD's and 5 PD's at five Dutch
universities are collaborating on investigating interface processes with a
range of techniques (diffraction, imaging and spectroscopy) to obtain better
understanding, and on the development of improved interphases with various
deposition methods. This specific position is located at the Storage of
Electrochemical Energy group at the Reactor Insttitute Delft of the Delft
University of Technology
The PhD will work on the synthesis and development of solid-state electrolytes (with an emphasis on hybrid polymer-inorganic solid electrolytes) to be used in solid-state batteries. The main technique for their characterization will be solid-state NMR (chemical environment of specific elements and Li-ion kinetics), as well as (operando) X-ray and neutron diffraction, operando neutron depth profiling and electrochemical techniques which will play a larger/smaller role depending on the specific challenges. There is extensive expertise and experience within the hosting group on all of these techniques, providing ample opportunity for the applicant to build expertise efficiently.
The PhD will collaborate with several other PhDs at the collaborating universties having complementary expertises, aiming at a comprehensive understanding of the processes in solid state batteries and a joint development of interface strategies.
Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with afinity for chemistry as well as with characterization of battery materials. A background in in the mentioned techniques (solid state NMR, X-ray/neutron scattering) is not required but can be an advantage. It is important that the candidate enjoys collaborations and has good written and spoken communication skills in English.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details, please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period, and preferable starting date December 2022/January 2023, of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well, and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable
compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and
a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For
international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner
Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.
Additional information
The contract duration is 4 years, and preferable starting date December 2022/January 2023.
For more information please contact prof. dr. ir. Marnix Wagemaker (m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before October 15, 2022 via the application button and upload your motivation and CV.
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