PhD work will consider the best available synthesis methodology for layered Li-rich/Mn-rich NMC (LMR-NMC, Li₁+xMO₂ (M: Ni, Co, Mn, etc.)) materials and employ in-depth multiscale advanced characterization methods to clarify the complex reaction mechanisms occurring in the bulk and at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces during electrochemical reactions. Along with the extensive synthesis and electrochemical testing possibilities, recruiting Modern Battery Laboratory (NIC) offers an expertise in a number of materials characterization techniques, including advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), etc. The co-funding organization Elettra - Syncrotrone Trieste with its key research facilities, the beamlines XAFS and MCX, is open for performing state-of-the-art structural analysis during the three secondments (6 months total). PhD candidate will be offered a unique opportunity of all-rounded hands-on training in both innovative materials' synthesis and advanced characterization techniques at modern state-of-the-art instruments. Such combination promotes deeper understanding of batteries materials' structure/properties relationship and broadens post-PhD career development possibilities. A pleasant and motivating international working environment along with agile mentoring at both NIC and Elettra is another key to a successful completion of the thesis work. A PhD candidate should possess an insatiable curiosity to learn and understand the materials' phenomena and willingness to investigate them down to the smallest (atomic) detail.

Selected publications:

1.  «Effects of a mixed 0/F ligand in the Tavorite-type LiVP0₄0 structure», S. Semsari Parapari, J.-M. Ateba Mba, E. Tchernychova, G. Mali, 1. Arcon, G. Kapun, M. A. Gulgun, R. Dominko, Chemistry of Materiols, 32 (1), 262-272 (2020), doi: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b03698
2.  «Ceramic synthesis of disordered lithium rich oxyfluoride materials», J.-M. Ateba Mba, 1. Arcon, G. Mali, E. Tchernychova, R. Witte, R. Kruk, M. Gaberscek, R. Dominko, Chemistry of Materials, 32 (1), 262-272 (2020) doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228230
3.  «Spectroscopie lnsights into the Electrochemical Mechanism of Rechargeable Calcium/Sulfur Batteries», A. Scafuri, R. Berthelot, K. Pirnat, A. Vizintin, J. Bitenc, G. Aquilanti, D. Foix, R. Dedryvère, 1. Arcon, R. Dominko, L. Stievano, Chemistry o fMaterials, 32 (19), 8266-8275 (2020), doi: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.Oc02074
4.  «Exploring a Co-Free, Li-Rich Layered Oxide with Low Content of Nickel as a Positive Electrode for Li-Ion Battery», A. Celeste, M. Tuccillo, A. Santoni, P. Reale, S. Brutti, L. Silvestri ACS Applied Energy Materials (September 2021), doi: 10.1021/acsaem.lc02133

S. «Titanium-based potassium-ion battery positive electrode with extraordinarily high redox potential», Fedotov S., Luchinin N., Aksyonov D., Morozov A., Ryazantsev S., Gaboardi

M., Plaisier J.R., Stevenson K., Abakumov A., Antipov E. Nature Communications, Vol. 11, p. 1484 (2020) doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-15244-6

Supervisor(s) contact: TCHERNYCHOVA Elena, elena.tchernychova@ki.si