TOPIC #3
Advanced Polymeric Interfaces for Durable Lithium Batteries: Stabilizing SEI and Enabling High-Voltage CAMs
Research area: New Materials & Electrolytes
Keywords: Lithium Metal Batteries; Polymeric interlayer; Solid Electrolyte Interface; Cathode Electrolyte Interface; Interface stabilization
Supervising team: Alexander Santiago (CIC energiGUNE) & Władysław Wieczorek (Warsaw Univ. of Technology)
Abstract
This PhD project proposes the design, synthesis, and application of advanced polymeric interfaces to enhance the cyclability and performance of high-energy density lithium metal batteries (LMBs), with an emphasis on stabilizing the Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) and Cathode Electrolyte Interface (CEI). These interfaces are critical to battery efficiency, safety, and long-term cycling stability. By developing novel polymeric materials that interact with both electrodes, the project seeks to enhance the stability of these interfaces, addressing challenges such as lithium reactivity, dendrite formation, capacity fade, and high-voltage degradation. The project combines experimental synthesis, processability techniques and electrochemical characterization to test the effectiveness of these materials and its integration on practical cells. The outcomes of this project are expected to significantly advance the development of high-performance LMBs, contributing to next-generation energy storage technologies
Interest for the student
Expected mobility: As part of the dissemination activities for this PhD, the ESR will present their results at national and international conferences and participate in specialized training workshops in both theoretical (e.g., CECAM workshop and school series) and experimental (e.g., Instrumental Methods in Electrochemistry course at the Southampton Electrochemistry Summer School) domains. Additionally, the ESR will undertake a 6-month secondment with the group of Władysław Wieczorek to expand their knowledge of organic synthesis and the integration of novel lithium salts into the various artificial interfaces developed during the thesis.
Career opportunities: The ESR will undergo cross-disciplinary training in cutting-edge materials science, enhancing their scientific profile and professional maturity, and broadening future career opportunities. The research team composed of engineers, organic chemists, and electrochemical experts, offers the ESR a comprehensive approach, covering all stages from synthesis to the application of materials. This provides exceptional access to training, resources, and expertise. The ESR will have access to top-tier infrastructure and collaborations with renowned research groups, which will significantly contribute to their professional development and employability. The proposed research stay is expected to have a highly positive impact on both the research outcomes and the education of the ESR. In addition to scientific and technical expertise, the ESR will develop essential career skills such as teamwork, supervision of undergraduate students, and effective communication of results. Participation in dissemination activities, including internal seminars, international and national conferences, workshops, and outreach events like Openlab days, will be actively encouraged, fostering interactions with potential future employers and stakeholders. The ESR will also benefit from internal soft skills training provided by external professionals, covering topics such as communication, time management, scientific writing, and securing funding. Language courses (Spanish for non-Spanish speakers, English, and Basque) will further complement the training. Given these opportunities, we anticipate the ESR will have excellent employability prospects in both industry and academia.
