PhD student at ESRF - studying X-ray nano-exploration of solid-state battery microstructures

Thesis subject: X-ray nano-exploration of solid-state battery microstructures under different operando conditions

You will join a collaboration between ID16B beamline at the ESRF (Grenoble, France), the SyMMES laboratory from the University Grenoble Alpes / CEA Grenoble and the Delft University of Technology to explore the solid-state battery microstructures evolution under operando conditions.

Beamline ID16B is dedicated to hard X-ray nano-analysis, combining X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and 3D/4D X-ray nano-imaging (nano-CT) techniques. The instrument enables world-leading research across a wide range of scientific disciplines such as earth and environmental science, life science and materials science. ID16B is exploiting a wide energy range from 6 to 33 keV while routinely providing beamsizes down to 50 nm. It can accommodate sample environments (furnace, cryostat, electrochemical cells…) providing unique in situ nano-analysis capabilities.

The SyMMES laboratory is a joint CEA-CNRS-UGA-Grenoble INP research unit (www.symmes.fr), whose aim is to develop fundamental research on themes of major societal importance: low-carbon energies, information and communication technologies, biotechnologies and human health. Our team is expert in the operando characterization of materials and electrochemical devices using large-scale instruments, in particular X-ray and neutron diffraction, scattering and imaging techniques to uncover reaction and aging mechanisms in batteries. The CEA is a major player in energy research in France, and the Grenoble centrer boasts unique platforms for the fine study of materials particularly for battery research.

The Storage of Electrochemical Energy (SEE) research group at the Radiation for Science and Technology (RST) Department of the Delft University of Technology (TUD) performs research towards future battery technologies, including solid state batteries, next generation Li-ion batteries and Na-ion batteries. Expertise’s include advanced characterization by Neutron and X-ray techniques, solid state NMR and electrochemical methods as well as density functional theory simulations to predict materials (properties) and inorganic synthesis of battery materials. Relevant to this project, we develop novel solid electrolytes aiming at improved conductivity and stability. The SEE group is the leading battery research group in the Netherlands coordinating national research and development programmes. Delft University of Technology is the oldest and largest Technical University in the Netherlands and has the mission to conduct world-class research by combining cutting-edge science, breakthrough technologies and human-centrered design in a socially responsible way.

Joining this experienced consortium on battery design and X-ray characterization, you will synthestize and prepare solid electrolyte materials, solid state battery assembly and electrochemically characterise them. You will design the in-situ cell and conduct operando X-ray 3D nano-imaging. For this important step of the project, you will work on mitigating the beam interaction with the system, particularly through the implementation of AI-based solutions. The project will represent a significant step towards designing a new solid-state battery by understanding the structural evolution and degradation of the solid electrolyte during operation. 

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at Université Grenoble Alpes (France) and based full-time at the ESRF (Grenoble, France), in close collaboration with the CEA Grenoble (Grenoble, France). Additional visits, totalling no more than 3 months, will be made to the Delft University of Technology (Delft, Netherlands) when needed. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the 3-year PhD project.

Further information may be obtained from: Dr. Julie Villanova (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 23 46, email: Julie.villanova@esrf.fr), from Dr. Victor Vanpeene (email: victor.vanpeene@cea.fr), from Dr. Sandrine Lyonnard (+33 (0) 4 38 78 92 86, email: sandrine.lyonnard@cea.fr) and from Prof. Dr. Marnix Wagemaker (+31 (0)15 27 88822, email: m.wagemaker@tudelft.nl)