11 Dec2017
PhD student position in Novel electrolytes for Al and Ca batteries
Department of Physics at ChalmersStimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.
The department is the major part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between four departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.
Information about the research project
New energy storage technologies are central for the transition to a truly sustainable society with electric vehicles and renewable energy sources. Several very promising concepts are currently being explored as next generation batteries to be implemented in transport applications or as grid energy storage. A common limiting factor for the realisation of these concepts is the availability of novel suitable electrolytes that combine fast ion-transport of the right species with high electrochemical and thermal stability. Recently both Ca and Al metal anode based batteries have been suggested as promising next generation battery concepts. For these the development of electrolytes, commonly complex systems of salts, solvents and additives, is crucial. The electrolyte composition affects bulk solvation as well as de-solvation at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces.
This PhD project is dedicated to reveal both local structure and overall dynamics (ion transport). The aim is to by a fundamental understanding control the speciation and the microscopic transport mechanism and this way pave the way for high energy density multivalent batteries. The approach is to experimentally assess physico-chemical properties together with electrochemical performance of various kinds including sample preparation, actual testing and elaborate analysis.
The project is a part of an EC funded FET-Open consortium for Ca-batteries (CARBAT) as well as funded by Swedish Energy Agency. By this layout there will be stimulating networking between students and senior researchers and interactions academia-institutes-industry.
Major responsibilities
You will be a part of the Division of Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Physics. The major part of your time will be devoted to your research project, where you will be expected to plan and perform experiments as well as utilize methods for data analysis. You will work in a cross-disciplinary environment, and have large freedom to form your own research program within the scope of the project. You will also be required to complete a course program (60 higher education credits), and participate in teaching activities and other duties at the Department of Physics (up to 20% of your time). Supervision of BSc and MSc students can also be a part of the work.
Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.
Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or equivalent. You should have an interest in materials science and energy technology, and very good communication and collaborative skills. Experience of battery research, data analysis, and/or physico-chemical materials characterization at the molecular level are all considered an advantage. Fluency in written and spoken English is required
Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20170572 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:
CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
• 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications.
Other documents:
• 2 recommendation letters
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results.
Application deadline: 2018-01-31
For questions, please contact:
Prof. Patrik Johansson, Condensed Matter Physics, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
