TOPIC #22
Understanding transport and interfaces properties using NMR in ionogel electrolytes based on ionic liquids for lithium batteries
Research area: Advanced Methods, New Materials & Electrolytes
Keywords: Electrolytes; ionogels; spectroscopies; NMR
Supervising team: Nicolas DUPRE (Nantes Univ.) & Elodie SALAGER (CNRS-CEMHTI)
Abstract
Ionogel electrolytes, in which an ionic liquid is confined in a polymer or copolymer matrix, offer a promising alternative to conventional electrolytes, combining the thermal stability of solid-state electrolytes with the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes. Based on previous studies indicating that Li+ transport properties are enhanced in such a confined state, this PhD project aims at exploring the development of acrylic acid and acrylate-based ionogel electrolytes for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries and understanding the transport mechanisms involved. In this project, (i) transport mechanisms at the interface between the ionic liquid and the polymer or copolymer matrix will be characterized using MAS-NMR, 2D correlation experiments, PFG-NMR to probe and understand the interaction between the matrix walls and charge carriers and (ii) compositions of copolymer matrix and ionic liquid electrolyte will be tuned to optimize both transport and electrochemical stability properties. Understanding reactions and physico-chemical properties at the interfaces in these systems will help to direct the research towards new types of ionogels having electrochemical stabilities and optimized transport properties. The student will spend between 3 and 6 months in CEMHTI Orléans to develop advanced 2D-NMR characterization of the ionogels to probe interaction at the internal interfaces of the ionogels.
Interest for the student
Expected mobility: Although the primary hosting lab is the IMN, between 3 and 6 months will be spent during the PhD at CEMHTI in order to develop advanced 2D NMR characterization of the ionogels to probe interaction at the internal interfaces of the ionogels. The work will be presented at international conferences related to battery, electrochemistry, NMR and microscopy. Conferences of interest include the international IBA, IMLB, LiBD, the Microscopy & Microanalysis Meeting and the E-MRS and MRS meetings.
Career opportunities: The project has a strong educational incentive, as it will provide important advanced training for Early Stage Researchers (PhD) in an interdisciplinary research field. This background will allow them to pursue their career in various scientific domains in academia. The academic and industrial environment of the IMN and CEMHTI will allow contacts and career prospects in industry.
