Project description
Québec recently launched the Innovation Zone of the Energy Transition Valley with Bécancour, Trois-Rivières, and Shawinigan, the center of the battery industry. At the heart of this area, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) and the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) formed an UMR with a strong research focus in decarbonization. With this background, INRS is offering a PhD or postdoctoral position for the synthesis and characterization of novel Li-rich, Co-free, and Fe-based layered oxides as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries.
With 70% grid-to-consumer efficiency and the potential for zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when powered by renewables, Li-ion batteries are the most promising technology for a low-carbon transport industry, which is responsible for 33% of global GHG emissions. Depending on the composition, about 8% – 20% of the battery costs, 40% of GHG emissions, and 35% of the energy consumption upon manufacturing go back to the cathode material.
Li-rich layered oxides are among the best alternative active materials for positive electrodes for the next generation of LiBs thanks to their high energy density of approx. 900 Wh/kg. However, challenges such as limited lifetime, high cost, environmental concerns in the production and recycling of raw materials, and problems in the raw material supply chain necessitate research and development. In this work, we aim to replace expensive and critical elements such as cobalt and nickel with the more abundant and cheaper Fe by using a synthesis route recently patented in our group. The use of modern operando spectroscopy and diffraction will help to better understand the function and failure of the materials and thus optimize the lifetime of the materials for commercial applications.
Start date
Summer 2025
Research supervision
Karin Kleiner (principal supervisor, Prof. INRS-EMT, Trois-Rivières)
Francois Allard (co-supervisor, Prof. INRS-EMT, Trois-Rivières)
Burckhard Bechhoff, PTB (Partner location, Berlin, Germany)
Stefan Schuppler, KIT (Partner location, Karlsruhe, Germany)
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.
Required qualification
We are looking for a motivated, dynamic and talented candidate with a degree in chemical engineering or chemistry. Experiences in electrochemistry would be welcome. Expertise with Li-ion batteries, material synthesis or characterization will also be considered an asset. Graduate students will be recruited based on their motivation for the project, regardless of their origins, gender, or beliefs. We are committed to an inclusive and equitable organizational culture, protecting and supporting staff and clients, and ensuring EDI. An effort will be made to recruit students with diversified backgrounds.
Location
UMR INRS-UQTR sur les matériaux et les technologies pour la transition énergétique
Questions
Karin Kleiner
karin-maria.kleiner@inrs.ca
How to apply?
Please use the form below to submit your application, including the following documents: (1) curriculum vitae; (2) letter of motivation; (3) university transcripts;