Li-ion battery is ubiquitous and has emerged as the major contender to power electric vehicles, yet Li-ion is slowly but surely reaching its limits and controversial debates on lithium supply cannot be ignored. New sustainable battery chemistries must be developed and the most appealing alternatives are to use Ca or Mg metal anodes which would bring a breakthrough in terms of energy density relying on much more abundant elements.
Currently, the main bottleneck for the development of Ca or Mg based technologies is the lack of electrolyte allowing for reversible Ca or Mg electrodeposition and reversible cation insertion in cathode materials.
Preliminary work conducted in ICMAB allowed to report on an electrolyte formulation that allows the operation of calcium metal anode (Nature Materials, 15 (2016) 169) in the presence of a solid electrolyte interphase (Energy Environ. Sci., 13 (2020) 3423). The postdoctoral researcher will be in charge of characterizing both the active materials (anode and cathode) and the electrolyte through a large variety of electrochemical techniques.
The position is in the framework of an ERC starting grant project (CAMBAT, proposal ID: 715087).
Benefits
- A full-time 1-year contract with possibility of extension.
- Remuneration according to individual’s qualification/experience
- Incorporation: as soon as possible
Selection process
The candidate must submit (a) a cover letter highlighting the interest in the position, (b) a full CV including a research summary highlighting the most significant results, and (c) the names and emails of at least two referees that might be willing to write down a recommendation letter. Send the information to Alexandre Ponrouch (aponrouch@icmab.es).
Offer Requirements
- Required Educational Level: Chemistry: PhD or equivalent
- Requierel Languages: English
Skills/Qualifications
You have finished your PhD preferably in the field of electrochemistry or battery technology. Besides a good knowledge of practical laboratory work, you have already gained experience with various electrochemical techniques (Cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, use of ultramicroelectrode and / or rotating disc electrode). You have a good command of English. Beyond this you demonstrate creativity, initiative and the ability to work well in teams.
