CIC energiGUNE es un centro de investigación especializado en energía, almacenamiento electroquímico (baterías y supercondensadores), soluciones energéticas térmicas e hidrógeno, miembro de la Alianza Vasca de Investigación y Tecnología- BRTA, y, una iniciativa estratégica del Gobierno Vasco. CIC energiGUNE nació en 2011 con el objetivo de generar un conocimiento y a la vez útil para el tejido empresarial vasco, siendo un referente en transferencia de conocimiento.
CIC energiGUNE cuenta con un equipo de investigación de más de 100 investigadores que tienen una amplia gama de instalaciones a su disposición. Además, la Comisión Europea ha concedido recientemente a CIC energiGUNE el premio "HR Excellence in Research", que refleja su compromiso con la consecución de unos principios de contratación y evaluación justos y transparentes y certifica la existencia de un entorno de trabajo estimulante y favorable para la investigación.
Para más detalles sobre las actividades de investigación del CIC energiGUNE, visita nuestra página web: http://www.cicenergigune.com
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Electromobility (e-mobility) technology is making advances worldwide to ensure that eco-friendly, quiet and efficient electric vehicles will be on our roads in the near future. The e-mobility attractiveness stands and falls by the lithium-ion batteries which technology and processing are well-stablished but are reaching its physicochemical limits. Solid-state batteries (SSBs) have the potential to outperform conventional batteries in terms of energy density, charging and power capability, and thermal stability. Many research efforts have been done in the field of material science and electrochemistry. However, intensive reseach into the production of SSBs electrodes is highly required to improve the battery cell performance and reduce manufacturing costs.
Recently, in our group a composite cathode for SSBs has been developed combining dry and wet dispersion processes and subsequent coating and drying. The electrochemical performance of the composite cathodes present a areal capacity of 1mAh cm-2 with a stable coluombic efficiency (99%). Since a high number of process parameters affects the resulting battery cell performance and cyclability, a fundamental understanding of the governing processes occurring during electrode manufacturing and their impact on component distribution is needed to develop strategies to increase the cells energy density and decrease electronic and ionic transport resistances that also could provide higher rate capabilities and capacieties which are limitations of SSB state of the art.
The aim of this PhD thesis will be to investigate and understand the ionic and electronic conductivity of the composite cathodes, the pore structure distribution and the chemical composition of the carbon/active material electrolyte interphase and its location on the electrode.
TECHNIQUES TO BE USED:
WHAT WE OFFER:
We are offering a predoctoral employment contract that covers the whole period of the thesis elaboration with a competitive salary within the category.
Access to a complete set of existing laboratory infrastructure and equipment, as well as to the needs identified during the project development to ensure a fruitful stay and the fullfilment of the objectives in due time.
Integration in an enthusiastic and multidisciplinary young group with great projection and commitments with sustainability and research quality.
CIC energiGUNE is located close to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain), in the heart of the Basque Country. The Basque Country is the region with the highest R&D investment in Spain, with more than 20.000 researchers. The basque research ecosystem comprises a solid and collaborating community composed of universitities, technology and cooperative research centers which leads the return per capita in the European H2020 programe.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applicants are invited to submit their applications including a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and their academic records.
The selection process ends once the candidate is selected.
CIC energiGUNE is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.
CANDIDATE PROFILE:
Holding a Master’s degree with academic background in material science or engineering Good speaking and writing skills in english. A good team player who can collaborate with other scientists. Highly motivated person and interested in research