TOPIC #17
Organic cathodes for high-performance multivalent anode-organic batteries
Research area: Post Li-Ion Technologies
Keywords: Organic cathodes; Metal anodes; Multivalent electrolytes; Nanostructurization; Mechanism investigation
Supervising team: Jan BITENC (National Institute of Chemistry) & Alexandru VLAD (Univ. Catholique de Louvain)
Abstract
Multivalent metal anode batteries offer a path towards cost-effective and sustainable high energy density batteries based on abundant elements. However, lack of suitable cathode host and limited number of multivalent electrolytes has been impeding their development towards practical application. Within the scope of PhD project, we will synthesize new organic materials specifically tailored for application in multivalent batteries (Mg, Ca, Al). In our past work, anthraquinone-based compounds have shown good reversibility and capacity utilization in different multivalent electrolytes. However, anthraquinone-based compounds exhibit relatively modest redox potential and capacity leading to relatively low energy density of full battery cells.
Within the scope of this PhD project, we will synthesize conjugated carbonyl polymers with higher redox potentials and capacities, which will increase the cell energy density. Capacity utilization of organic compounds and rate performance will be optimized through nanostructurization of organic compounds and utilization of state-of-the-art multivalent electrolytes developed within our group. The success of the material preparation strategies will be monitored through use of EIS spectroscopy and electron microscopy. At the same time, we will carefully monitor electrochemical mechanism and formation of electrode/electrolyte interphases through utilization of IR and XPS spectroscopy.
Interest for the student
Expected mobility: Within the scope of the PhD project we plan a 3-6 months secondment at a partner laboratory of prof. Alexandru Vlad (University of Catholique de Louvain) focused on the new synthesis approaches as well as specific characterization tools such as ICP-OES. The secondment could be split into one or two parts depending on the progress of the work. PhD student will also take part in various international conferences such as ISE, ECS meetings, as well as more specialized events focused on organic or multivalent batteries like Organic Battery Days, MgBattSymposium…
Career opportunities: Within this PhD project, student will gain new experience in the field of organic synthesis and characterization. Student will rely on different electrochemical techniques ranging from GCPL, CV, EIS, GITT and testing in different electrochemical cell setups (Swageloks, pouch cells and coin cells) in both 2- and 3-electrode configuration. Furthermore, student will utilize IR, XPS and electron microscopy for material characterization for analysis of electrochemical mechanism.
Development of soft skills (scientific writing, project application) is planned through Destiny network training events, as well as training activities organized by the host institution (NIC).
Contacts
IMPORTANT: you may contact the potential supervisors to have more information about the topic, however, sending them your application directly is not permitted.
