Laboratory of chemistry and electrochimistry of solids
We thank you for your interest in the LCES. Here are the positions we are looking to fill in the present time :
(Postdoctoral Fellowship) : Ion Exchange and Adhesion in a Polymer-in-Sulfide Electrolyte
Polymer processing aides are added to sulfide electrolytes to permit shaping and improve mechanical strength. However, as polymer electrolytes tend to be less conductive than sulfide electrolytes, minimizing polymer content and ensuring adequate ionic conductivity through the sulfide phase is necessary to improve electrolyte performance. This project involves assessing the compatibility between a sulfide electrolyte and polymer processing aides for high ionic conductivity and compatibility with lithium metal electrodes. The successful candidate will perform adhesion and mechanical testing in addition to ionic conductivity measurements.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science or surface science. Previous experience with interface characterization, electrochemistry and working with lithium metal and/or sulfide electrolytes are assets.
Ref : PDF WP 1.1
(MSc) : Reducing the Porosity of Solution-Casted Sulfide Electrolytes
Adequate dissolution of solid components and slurry viscosity are important properties of solvents used in the preparation of solution-casted electrodes. This project involves selecting a solvent for the preparation of sulfide electrolytes via solution casting and optimizing the casting process to limit electrolyte porosity.
Candidates should have a BSc in chemistry or materials science.
Ref : MSc WP 1.2
(MSc) : Characterization of deposited lithium following cycling with sulfide electrolytes
Anode-free batteries are generally considered to be safer than conventional lithium batteries because they do not contain excess lithium which can react with other battery components during high-stress events. Managing the reactivity of the deposited lithium towards the electrolyte is challenging as factors such as passivation history and the composition of the sulfide electrolyte impact the surface composition of the lithium metal. All these factors influence the morphology of the plated lithium. The successful candidate will characterize freshly deposited lithium during cycling in anode-free cells using a combination of in situ and operando microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. The goal of the study is to establish how electrolyte and substrate properties influence lithium deposition during battery operation.
Applicants should have a BSc in chemistry or chemical engineering.
Ref : MSc WP 2.1
(Postdoctoral Fellowship) : Scale up of optimized lithium metal coating for stable cycling in pouch cells
The successful candidate will prepare symmetric cells for long-term cycling in the pouch cell format with further optimization of the electrode coating as necessary.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering or materials science. Previous experience with batteries, electrochemistry and cell assembly are assets.
Ref: PDF WP 2.3
(MSc) : Determination of the Influence of Electrolyte Formulation on Gelation Kinetics
Gel polymer electrolyte formulation is expected to alter polymer-solvent-salt interactions in gel polymer electrolytes. This relationship will be investigated via kinetic studies on optimized formulations to determine ideal mixtures for cell assembly. This project involves using rheological and spectroscopic methods to track gel formation and polymer crosslinking in sol-gel polymerizable systems.
Applicants should have a BSc in chemistry or chemical engineering.
Ref : MSc WP 3.1
(Postdoctoral Fellowship) : Solvent-Free Sulfide Electrolyte Processing and Pouch Cell Assembly
The elimination of casting solvents from sulfide electrolyte processing has the potential to simplify electrolyte preparation and reduce waste. This can be accomplished by finding a suitable polymer that can be processed without dissolution under conditions in which sulfide electrolytes are stable. The elimination of solvents from the electrolyte processing process is also expected to facilitate pouch cell assembly. The successful candidate will develop a solvent-free processing technique for sulfide electrolytes that can be scaled up for use in a pouch cell.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science or surface science. Previous experience with interface polymer processing, electrochemistry and working with lithium metal and/or sulfide electrolytes are assets.
Ref : PDF WP 1.2
(PostDoctoral Fellowship) : Development of a stable SEI layer for cycling in lithium symmetric cells with sulfide electrolytes
Lithium reactivity means that passivation layers, or SEI (solid electrolyte interphase), form on the surface upon contact with the electrolyte and cycling. The characteristics of the SEI have a significant influence on lithium plating and stripping during cycling in anode-less systems. SEI characteristics can be controlled by tuning electrolyte composition or by pre-treating the electrode surface. The successful candidate will develop an experimental protocol to ensure the formation of an appropriate SEI during cycling in lithium-lithium symmetric cells.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science or surface science. Previous experience with interface characterization, electrochemistry and working with lithium metal and/or sulfide electrolytes are assets.
Ref : PDF WP 2.1
(Postdoctoral Fellowship) : Optimization of the electrolyte-substrate interface for lithium metal deposition
The quality of the sulfide electrolyte-current collector interface is expected to influence lithium metal deposition. Surface modification techniques that enhance adhesion with the lithium metal electrode and ion transfer have been shown to optimize electrolyte-electrode contact and improve battery performance. The aim of this project is to optimize contact between a sulfide electrolyte and a lithium metal electrode to increase ionic conductivity and facilitate lithium deposition on a solid substrate during electrochemical cycling. The successful candidate is expected to use surface modification techniques to enhance interfacial compatibility between a sulfide electrolyte and a negative electrode.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science or surface science. Previous experience with the chemical or physical modification of surface and interfaces, surface imaging, interface characterization, electrochemistry and working with lithium metal and/or sulfide electrolytes are assets.
Ref : PDF WP 2.2
(Post Doctoral Fellowship) : Development and Characterization of Gel Polymer Electrolytes
Gel polymer electrolytes comprised of one or more monomers, an ionic salt, a solvent and a diluent will be prepared with the goal of maximizing ionic conductivity, compatibility with high energy electrode materials and reducing flammability. Interactions between the various electrolyte components will be investigated to determine how electrolyte composition impacts performance. The successful candidate will optimize gel polymer electrolytes based on industrially relevant formulations and characterize interphase interactions using spectroscopic methods. Electrolyte safety will be evaluated via flash point testing.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering. Previous experience working with polymers is an asset.
Ref: PDF WP 3.1
(Postdoctoral Fellowship) : Functionalization of the Separator and Impact on Local Ion Concentrations
Interaction between the electrolyte and the separator are necessary for ion transfer and to avoid polarization during cell operation. To this end, separator functionalization via chemical or physical deposition provides a means to improve separator wetting and selectively improve ion transport. The successful candidate will modify separators to improve compatibility and ion transport with previously developed gel polymer electrolytes.
The ideal candidate has a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or materials engineering. Previous experience working with polymers, batteries or with electrochemistry is an asset.
Ref: PDF WP 3.2