TOPIC #20
Synthesis routes for advanced inorganic conductors to be used in solid-state batteries
Research area: Post Li-Ion Technologies, Advanced Methods, New Materials & Electrolytes
Keywords: Solid-state battery; synthesis; structural characterization; post mortem analysis; spectroscopies
Supervising team: Christian MASQUELIER & Virginie VIALLET (Université de Picardie Jules Verne) & Pierre-Etienne CABELGUEN (Umicore)
Abstract
One direction of solid-state battery (SSB) research is centred on the development and optimisation of Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductors (MIECs), that can be used to replace carbon in electrodes or even as 100% pure CAM electrodes if they are electroactive. Novel MIECs discovered recently open a vast chemical landscape for battery materials, with synthesis at its core.
The project, as a joint effort between LRCS Amiens, Umicore and ICMCB Bordeaux, will prioritize the systematic development and refinement of synthesis routes, aiming to expand the catalogue of accessible MIECs and to probe the effects of compositional variation. Special emphasis will be placed on scalability, reproducibility, and the integration of synthesis with downstream electrode fabrication processes, with an eye toward industrial relevance. Progress in this field is fundamentally driven by the ability to design and execute novel synthetic pathways that introduce and control disorder, tune chemical composition, and optimise material morphology. Innovative synthetic strategies, especially by controlling precursors and synthesis tools, will provide the critical leverage to unlock new phases, stabilize metastable structures, and tailor the degree and type of disorder within the cathode material.
In the final stages, a suite of advanced characterization techniques, ranging from electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods, will be employed to validate the outcomes of the synthesis efforts, correlating structural and chemical features with electrochemical performances.
Interest for the student
Expected mobility: The PhD candidate is expected to dedicate time at UMICORE for the specific characterization of materials with a particular emphasis on advanced microscopy techniques. A secondment in ICMCB Bordeaux is also expected in order to broaden the scope of characterizations (NMR, EPR…). The scope may be expanded to include large electrode and battery manufacturing if needed. The anticipated duration is 3-4 months. Attendance at approximately one conference per year is expected on average.
Career opportunities: The PhD candidate will gain experience through collaboration with both industry and academia. They will engage in advanced work on material synthesis and their characterization for solid-state batteries, acquiring valuable knowledge about synthesis techniques and structural/chemical analysis techniques. This experience will expand future career opportunities in both academic and industrial sectors. The DESTINY2 project is operated by members of the French RS2E and European ALISTORE Networks and DESTINY2 PhD candidates benefit heavily from all the connexions with members of these networks.
Contacts
IMPORTANT: you may contact the potential supervisors to have more information about the topic, however, sending them your application directly is not permitted.
