Topic 01-12 : Inorganic ultra-rich composite electrolytes for high performance solid state batteries

Proposed PhD research project will be focused on the research and development of inorganic ultra-rich composite electrolytes for solid state batteries (SSB). Special attention will be paid to understanding and optimization of Li+ conduction mechanisms within composite matrix of the electrolytes. Interfacial properties of the electrolytes will be studied and tuned towards better compatibility with Li negative electrode and LiNixMnyCozO2 (x+y+z=1, NMC) based positive electrode. Final validation of the developed solid electrolytes will be performed in high voltage solid state cells with thick positive electrodes.

PhD student will mainly carry out research work at CIDETEC (Spain) under supervision of Dr. Andriy KVASHA. This activity will be related to the synthesis and preparation of composite solid electrolytes, investigation and optimization of main physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the electrolytes, followed by assessment of the electrochemical performance in SSB. During at least 6 months, he/she will be on the secondment at IEK-1 of Forschungszentrum Jülich (Germany) with the purpose of ad-hoc synthesis of solid inorganic electrolytes and advanced physicochemical characterization of bulk and interfacial properties of composite electrolytes under supervision of Prof. Dina FATTAKHOVA-ROHLFING. As part of educational program, PhD student will participate in an international battery/electrochemistry summer school during 1st year and on 2nd-3rd years present the obtained results at international conferences.