Québec is experiencing significant growth in the field of batteries and recently inaugurated the Innovation Zone of the Energy Transition Valley located in Bécancour, Trois-Rivières, and Shawinigan, where the industry in this sector is located. In the heart of this area, the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) created with the Centre National en Électrochimie et en Technologies Environnementales (CNETE) a new project on the Development of High-Entropy Oxides for Cathode Active Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Previously, CNETE encovered a role on producing high purity battery components (i.e. lithium hydroxide) and on the recycling of batteries. In this context, INRS is looking for candidates who wish to work on the design of new cathode active materials and their evaluation in Li-ion batteries. The selected candidate will be part of a team of researchers in energy storage and conversion, and will strongly collaborate with INRS and CNETE teams.
Project description
Unlike traditional oxides composed of one or two cations, HEOs consist of multiple metal cations (typically five or more) in near-equimolar ratios, leading to enhanced configurational entropy and stabilization of solid-solution phases. This characteristic makes them particularly promising for applications requiring stability under prolonged cycling and high energy densities.
The hypothesis of this study is that the incorporation of multiple cations in HEOs can enhance electrochemical performance by stabilizing the crystal structure during charge/discharge cycles and reducing cation migration, a common issue in traditional cathode materials. To test this hypothesis, HEO cathodes will be synthesized using solid-state reaction, hydrometallurgy, or sol-gel techniques, followed by sintering. These cathodes will incorporate various combinations of transition metals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, and others.
Characterization methods will include X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase identification, ICP-OES for stoichiometry determination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for atomic-level imaging. The electronic structure, structural changes, and reaction pathways will be analyzed using x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Electrochemical performance will be evaluated through galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Other supporting techniques may include x-ray fluorescence analysis, particle size analysis, electrochemical mass spectrometry, and Karl Fischer titration to study degradation upon cycling.
Additionally, the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) method will be employed to predict stable phase formations and guide the selection of metal cations in HEOs. CALPHAD uses thermodynamic modeling to calculate phase diagrams, enabling researchers to predict the most favorable compositions and temperature ranges for synthesizing stable, high-performance HEO materials. This computational approach will accelerate the discovery of new oxide compositions by reducing the need for extensive experimental trial and error. By integrating CALPHAD, the study aims to streamline material design and optimize electrochemical properties for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Data analysis will focus on correlating cation composition with phase stability, ionic conductivity, and capacity retention. The research aims to develop new cathode materials with enhanced stability, energy density, and cycle life, contributing to the next generation of high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
The project will lead to a Ph.D in Sciences de l’énergie et des matériaux of INRS.
Start date
2025
Research supervision
- Karin Kleiner (principal supervisor, Prof. INRS-EMT)
- François Allard (co-supervisor, Prof. INRS-EMT)
- Christian Désilets (Partner location supervisor, CNETE)
Study program
This study project will be carried out under the following program: Ph.D. in sciences de l’énergie et des matériaux (French description) of the Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre.
Scholarship
INRS offers financial support to its student community. However, candidates are also invited to apply for scholarships from FRQNT, NSERC, etc.
Required qualifications
In order to build the R&D team of the project, we are recruiting motivated, dynamic and talented candidates for the PhD in material and energy science, which includes all pertinent domains including: engineering (material or chemical), Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or Electrochemistry. Graduate students will be recruited based on their motivation for the project, regardless of their origins, gender, or beliefs. An effort will be made to recruit students with diversified backgrounds. Expertise in Li-ion batteries is an asset. Knowledge of thermodynamics and experience in material synthesis or characterization will also be considered an asset.
Location
UMR INRS-UQTR sur les matériaux et les technologies pour la transition énergétique
Pavillon Tapan-K.-Bose
3351, Boul. des Forges C.P.500
Trois-Rivières (Québec) G9A 5H7
Canada
Partner location:
Centre National en Électrochimie et en Technologies Environnementales Inc.
2263 Av. du Collège porte 7
Shawinigan (Québec) G9N 6V8
How to apply
Interested persons can submit their application to professor François Allard by using the online form. The application must include:
- Complete CV
- A statement of all your academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page) describing their research interests
- The name of three contact information for further reference.