Job Description
Sodium-ion batteries (NIB) have emerged as a promising green alternative to Li-ion batteries (LIB) due to the economic and environmental benefits associated with the technology. NIBs in contrast to LIBs contain materials that are abundant, cheap, less toxic and globally available. The much lower extraction cost of Na precursor (approx. €100 per ton), compared to Li carbonate (approx. €20,000 per ton) is an illustrative example of the savings that can be made. A further cost reduction can be achieved by the replacement of the Cu current collector required for LIB anodes with Al, (> 300,000 tonnes produced annually in Europe) which is lighter and cheaper and can be safely employed at both electrodes.
This research project aims to develop a completely sustainable, high-capacity sodium-ion battery from highly abundant, low-cost, non-toxic elements. The active materials in the battery are optimised for sustainability, consisting of a hard carbon nanofiber anode derived from biowaste and a sulphate-based cathode. These will be combined with a novel polymer/Na-ion modified gel polymer electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity and low thermal shrinkage.
The researcher will have access to a state-of-the-art battery research laboratory in the University of Limerick that includes materials synthesis labs, glove-boxes for cell preparation and a full suite of electrochemical characterisation equipment. Access to advanced characterisation equipment will also be available such as electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), surface analytical tools (XPS, ToF-SIMS), spectroscopy (Raman-SEM, FTIR, NMR, UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction and a thermal analysis suite.
Essential Criteria
• A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in chemistry, materials science or related field (must be finalised at the time of application, please provide date of viva).
• Relevant first author publication where materials development for energy applications was a component of the research.
• Experience in project management support.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
• Post doctoral research experience in battery research.
• Research experience in electrochemistry.
• Research experience in materials chemistry.
• Expertise in electrochemical characterisation techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Expertise in characterisation techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS and FTIR.
• Experience in co-supervision of PhDs.
• Demonstrated experience of conducting research and development projects as well as a shown competency in publishing research, intellectual property creation and report writing.
Application Information
Please apply for the position at the UL Vacancies website:
http://www.ul.ie/hrvacancies/The deadline for applications is 3rd Mar 2023 at 12 Noon.
