PhD position: Nanoscale structural evolution in lithium-sulfur batteries in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Materials and Device Engineering group at ETH Zürich (Switzerland) is looking for a highly motivated PhD student for an interdisciplinary research project across the fields of energy materials, electrochemistry and materials physics.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are considered a strategic candidate to achieve both significantly higher energy storage and better sustainability than current Lithium-ion batteries. They operate by converting sulfur into lithium sulfide and back on discharge/charge. Practically achieved energies are far from theoretical values due to difficulties to deposit the insulating active material in high areal and volume density in the porous carbon cathode and to fully use it electrochemically. Up to now, the exact relation between the nanoscale structural evolution of active materials, underlying physical-chemical mechanisms and electrochemical properties is unknown. The project aims to identify structure-transport-property relationships by focusing on operando scattering methods and electron microscopy.

• Experimental exploration of the nano- and sub-nanoscale structural evolution of solid reaction products in lithium-sulfur battery cathodes via operando small and wide angle scattering, electron microscopy and beyond. A significant fraction of experiments will be carried out on international large-scale research facilities, such as Synchrotron radiation sources.
• Data analysis of complex scattering data combined with modelling and/or simulations.
• Electrochemical characterization of different lithium-sulfur materials systems and linking the nanoscale structural evolution, underlying physical-chemical mechanisms and electrochemical performance.

• Master of Science degree in material science, physics, electrochemistry or related.
• Experience in preparative experimental work and materials characterization. Experience in electrochemistry, scattering methods and/or electron microscopy is an advantage.
• Basic knowledge in data analysis or programming (Matlab, Python, Igor or similar).
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Motivation to conduct interdisciplinary research across the fields of materials science, electrochemistry and materials physics.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.