PhD student in development of non-flammable electrolytes for Na-metal based batteries 

phd at Uppsala University, Sweden


The Department of Chemistry - Angstrom conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have many 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.

The Structural Chemistry section at the Department of Chemistry – Angstrom Laboratory has for many years hosted a research environment focused on the development of materials and their applications within the energy storage area: the Angstrom Advanced Battery Centre. We develop novel electrode and electrolyte materials, characterize them, evaluate, and improve them with respect to battery performance, and study fundamental chemical processes and properties using both experimental and computational techniques. The research is, as such, both fundamental and applied.

Your Task in PhD

This project is part of a European research & innovation project named SuSaNa, aiming to develop Na-metal based batteries with non-flammable electrolytes. The focus will therefore be on development and understanding of non-flammable liquid and gel electrolytes with improved safety and electrochemical properties in Na-metal based batteries.

The project follows our recent studies and progresses on development of non-flammable liquid electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries. The work will mostly be to conduct experimental research including development of non-flammable liquid electrolyte, use of various electrochemical techniques (e.g., galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), and characterization of interfacial layers by analytical tools such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mass spectroscopy.

The project will be carried out at Angstrom Advanced Battery Centre at Uppsala University in close collaboration with the partners in the SuSaNa project. The doctoral student will be involved in the collaborations, planning, and performing experiments and thereby becoming experienced in battery science, electrochemistry, electrolyte formulation, and analytical techniques such x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

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 for the PhD Position

  • ·         Has been awarded a second-cycle qualification or master’s degree in chemistry, physics or materials science.
  • ·         Has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle (chemistry, physics or materials science), or has acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
  • ·         Knowledge in battery science or in electrochemical energy storage systems
  • ·         Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
  • ·         The capability to express yourself clearly, document experimental work, and work with others 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 working with materials development and characterization
  • ·         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 Job

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5  7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 October 2022 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Reza Younesi, reza.younesi@kemi.uu.se

Last application date: 2022-09-22

 

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