PhD Position in Physics : Atomic layer deposition for tailoring electrode surfaces in electrochemical energy systems

11 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Ghent University

Department

Department of Solid State Sciences

Research Field

Physics » Surface physics
Chemistry » Reaction mechanisms and dynamics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

31 May 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Electrochemical energy systems such as batteries and water electrolyzers play an essential role in the transition to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. State-of-the-art devices rely on integrating the latest material developments to increase efficiency, reduce costs and/or improve long-term cyclability. An important aspect is the electrode/electrolyte interface where processes involving ion/electron transfer and reactant adsorption/desorption can lead to complex interface restructuring and irreversible degradation of the electrodes.

In this PhD project, you will contribute to solving electrode stability and reactivity challenges by means of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). ALD is an unparalleled nanoscale thin film deposition and surface functionalization method for nanotechnology applications. It offers atomic level thickness and compositional control as well as conformal coating of complex, 3D shaped surfaces; benefits that make it an attractive method for tailoring electrodes in Li-ion batteries and water electrolyzers.

Your task will be to develop ALD-strategies for depositing thin films on electrode surfaces and evaluate the structural properties and electrochemical performance of the deposited materials. This work will be conducted within the Conformal Coating of Nanomaterials (COCOON) research group at the Department of Solid State Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium (www.cocoon.ugent.be ). The group is world-renown for the precise fabrication of thin films through ALD and possesses strong experience in structural and electrochemical characterization of materials on a component level. At COCOON, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced researchers and benefit from their guidance and mentorship. The PhD project is part of a collaboration with other research groups in Flanders with whom you will collaborate to implement the materials in electrochemical devices.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Surface physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry » Reaction mechanisms and dynamics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The PhD candidate must hold a master of science degree in (engineering) physics, chemistry or a related discipline, and show a strong interest in nanomaterials, electrochemistry and structural analysis. Previous experience with atomic layer deposition (ALD) and/or electrochemical conversions is an asset. The PhD candidate should be fluent in English, have excellent writing skills and have the strong intention to finish the PhD by the end of the 4-year project.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Selection process

You can apply via email to [email protected] , using the subject line “Application ALD electrode PhD”. Please provide a full CV including your academic/education history, experience with experimental work and programming, list of publications where applicable. Please also provide a motivation letter. For applicants from non-English speaking countries, please attach copies of recent English language certificates where available. The position will stay open until a suitable candidate is selected, hence we advise to submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Ghent University

Country

Belgium

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Gent

Website

http://www.cocoon.ugent.be/

Street

Krijgslaan 281/S1

Postal Code

9000

STATUS: EXPIRED