Hiring Institution
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique – CEMHTI

PhD-Awarding Institutions
Université d’Orléans
Deakin University (Deakin)

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Option 1

Designing new solid polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries

Solid electrolytes can solve the leakage and flammability issues associated with traditional carbonate-based liquid-state electrolytes, thereby potentially providing a safer alternative for lithium ion batteries and related technologies. However, in solid materials the ion transport is generally also slower than in liquids, and so new materials need to be developed with improved properties to solve this issue. In this project, novel block co-polymer electrolytes combining different functional components such as styrene (for mechanical strength) and cation or anionic groups (to promote dynamics and ionic transport) will be developed and studied with the aim of understanding their molecular-level structure, dynamics and interactions. A combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, computational simulations and other complementary techniques will be used to understand the ion transport mechanisms and interactions present, thereby enabling the materials to be improved via tailoring of their chemistry and composition and subsequently tested inside a prototype cell. The candidate will gain expertise in advanced experimental and computational materials characterization methods and will work at two world-leading energy materials research groups. This project takes advantage of the host universities and industry partner’s unique expertise and capabilities in polymerized ionic liquid synthesis (Solvionic), electrolyte design and characterization (Deakin University) and high-field NMR spectroscopy (Orleans/CEMHTI-CNRS).

Option 2

Measuring interactions in ionic liquid-based electrolytes using advanced NMR spectroscopy

Ionic liquids, including their polymerized form, are highly promising in applications as battery electrolytes due to their tailorable properties, electrochemical stability and ability to dissolve high concentrations of metal salts. By adjusting their chemistry (e.g., by varying the cation organic groups or anion fluorination), we can potentially optimize their ion transport properties. However, this molecular design approach requires a detailed understanding of the structure and interactions present within the liquid, both in the bulk phase and at the interface with a solid (e.g. an electrode surface). In this project, advanced nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and other complementary methods will be used to study these interactions in detail, including the formation of solid electrolyte interphase products that form inside operational batteries and are crucial to their performance. This work will provide detailed information that will aid the design of the next generation of electrolyte systems. The candidate will gain expertise in advanced experimental and computational materials characterization methods and will work at two world-leading energy materials research groups. This project takes advantage of the host universities and industry partner’s unique expertise and capabilities in ionic liquid development and synthesis (Solvionic), electrolyte design and characterization (Deakin University) and advanced NMR methods development (Orleans/CEMHTI-CNRS).

Option 3

Molecular level characterisation of novel ionic sodium battery electrolyte materials

Sodium offers a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium for battery electrochemistry. However, while sodium has similar properties to lithium, it cannot be directly substituted into existing battery materials due to its larger size and different interactions with the host matrix. Thus, new materials such as electrolytes need to be designed specifically for this cation with the aim of promoting its transport properties. In this project, novel sodium electrolyte systems such as ionic liquids, polymers and plastic crystals will be studied using high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which can provide detailed information on structure, dynamics and ion interactions in these materials. In turn, this will inform the design of new and improved sodium battery electrolytes that will enable this cheaper and greener energy storage technology. The candidate will gain expertise in advanced experimental and computational materials characterisation methods and will work at two world-leading energy materials research groups. This project takes advantage of the host universities and industry partner’s unique expertise and capabilities in battery electrolyte development and synthesis (Solvionic), sodium batteries and electrolyte characterisation (Deakin University) and high-field NMR spectroscopy (Orleans/CEMHTI-CNRS).

Michael Deschamps
Elodie Salager
Luke A. O’Dell
Maria Forsyth

Materials characterisation, battery electrolytes, magnetic resonance, electrochemistry, computational chemistry