A PhD position in nanocellulose for Li-ion batteries

Since lithium-ion batteries were introduced to the market in the 1990’s the demand has increased enormously and today several billions of battery cells are produced yearly. The realization of flexible and/or stretchable batteries would open up for an even larger array of applications, such as new electronic devices as flexible displays, printed and wearable electronics, where the stiff batteries of today are a limitation. More environmentally friendly materials than the petroleum-based polymers used now for electrode binders and separators is another important issue.

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is a class of high aspect ratio nanomaterial that can be prepared in bulk quantities and be used to address all of the above-presented challenges. Very thin and strong nanopapers with a controlled porosity can be made from NFC, with properties that well suit electrochemical devices. Indeed, composite papers with nanocellulose and nanoparticles have been tested as electrodes and separators in batteries and supercapacitors. Some of the attractive properties with such composites are their flexibility/bendability, the nano dimension compatible with the electroactive nanoparticles, the possibility to improve the ionic transport by functionalizing the NFC and/or tailoring the porosity, cellulose being a renewable material as well as the possibility to produce batteries more efficiently than today. Another remarkable feature of NFC is that at 5 wt.% (based on total dry electrode weight) it can be used to load as much as 95 wt.% of active material particles without losing mechanical integrity of the electrode. In fact, at this weight ratio even freestanding electrodes can be produced.

Job description

The goal of this project is to better understand how parameters such as moisture, alternative materials for electrode nanoparticles and electrolyte as well as the porosity of the separator affect the properties of the flexible NFC-based Li-ion battery. It is a part of research within the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) www.wwsc.se – a joint research center at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Chalmers, focusing on new materials from trees. The work will mainly be experimental, using both electrochemical techniques and other tools for materials characterisation, and involve collaboration with other researchers within the WWSC.

Placement: Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, School of Chemical Science and Engineering

Qualifications

Master of Science in chemical engineering, materials engineering, chemistry or a related field. Good oral and written communication skills in English and Swedish are an advantage.

The candidate should be highly motivated for doing scientific research and should have well developed analytical and problem solving skills as well as an interest and curiosity for multi-disciplinary problems in the context of energy solutions towards a sustainable society.

To address its varied work, KTH aims to employ a diversity of talent and thus welcomes applicants who will add to the variety of the University, especially concerning its gender structure.

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