Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery technologies have contributed since their commercialization to rapid development and growth of portable devices such as cell phones and laptops. Recently, Li-ion battery technologies have also successfully been used in large-format energy storage such as electrical vehicles. The Li battery stores electricity inside the electrode. The electrolyte, typically liquid, is placed between the cathode and anode to allow the conduction of Li-ions between them while ensuring electronic isolation to avoid short-circuit. Although this technology has already been widely used, it still faces many issues, including poor safety, reduced lifespan and relatively low specific storage energy. Recently, a lot of research has been launched aiming to overcome these issues by the development of a new technology, namely all-solid-state battery. This new technology aims to replace the liquid electrolyte by a solid electrolyte to overcome the main limitations mentioned above of the current Li-ion battery technologies by improving their safety, durability and energy density. This new technology, namely all-solid-state Li-ion battery, has been considered by the scientific and industrial community as the next big evolution of lithium ion batteries. Despite of the fact that the development of a solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, good electrochemical and thermal stability and low electronic conductivity, is primordial. The development of the cathode materials for Li-ion batteries remains challenging because the existing materials are not only the single most expensive component and the largest volume constituent of a lithium-ion battery but are also toxic due to the presence of cobalt. In this sense, the main objective of this thesis work is to design and synthesis of advanced cathode materials with lower content of cobalt, potentially free of cobalt, aiming not only to lower costs, but also to increase the capacity and the power. This work will include the cell design and fabrication, and its electrochemical testing using the developed cathode materials.

• Missions et Responsabilités
  • Development of advanced inorganic materials with improved structural and physical properties.
  • Study of their application in the field of interest.
  • Collaboration in ongoing financed projects and research activities of the department.
• Profil Recherché
  • Candidates preferably with a master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or other scientific disciplines in a related field or equivalency required.