TOPIC #7
Experimental investigation of thermodynamics and kinetics during the synthesis of advanced cathode materials
Research area: Advanced Methods; New Materials & Electrolytes
Keywords: Synthesis, cathode materials, Li-ion, in situ, thermodynamics, kinetics, operando, XRD
Supervising team: Matteo BIANCHINI (University of Bayreuth) & Alexander Teklit TESFAYE (Umicore)
Abstract
In situ diffraction studies can capture transient crystalline phases forming during chemical reactions. Solid-state synthesis reactions, in particular, can be observed with high temporal and angular resolution at large scale facilities using customized sample environments, and nowadays even using laboratory diffractometers. In both cases, the time-resolved nature of the experiments allows to obtain a greatly increased amount of information. For example, in the synthesis of inorganic materials, reactions often yield non-equilibrium kinetic byproducts instead of the thermodynamic equilibrium phase. Fully determining the reaction pathway is a key requirement to achieve the rational synthesis of target materials. To realize that, the competition between thermodynamics and kinetics occurring during the process need to be investigated in real time. In this project, the candidate will focus on unraveling the solid-state synthesis of layered oxide cathode materials of industrial relevance for Li-ion batteries. She/he will investigate the growth of layered structure of NMC (Ni-Mn-Co based) lithium oxides, with a specific interest in the changes of microstructure. In strict coopeartion between the Bianchini group at the University of Bayreuth and Umicore, a world-leading producer of cathode materials, in situ experiments will be used to understand and optimize the processes leading to high-performance materials.
Interest for the student
Expected mobility:The PhD student will have the opportunity to attend at least two conferences, one in Germany and one abroad. She/he will have the opportunity to meet leading international scientists working in the field of battery research.
In addition to attending national and international conferences and training programmes organised within the Destiny programme, the PhD student will spend one long period or several periods working with the industry partner Umicore. These periods (6 months maximum) will be spent in the group of Alexander Teklit TESFAYE at Umicore in Olen, Belgium. The PhD candidate will therefore benefit from balanced co-supervision from academic and industrial partners.
Career opportunities: The student will benefit from the network of academic and industrial collaborations that UBT and the Baybatt has established in recent years. She/he will have the opportunity to visit research conferences and meet renowned scientists. This will enable the PhD student to identify potential supervisors for a postdoctoral position. Prof. Bianchini has strong contacts in industry with companies in Germany and in Europe. Together with the secondment in Umicore, this will allow the student to develop access to both the academic and industrial community in Europe, spanning chemical industry, battery industry, as well as the automotive one.
