[OFER-TRABEC] NAC: PhD Fellowship: Investigations of New Electrode Ma

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---Procedencia:
Institución:CIC Energigune
Contacto correo-e:info@cicenergigune.com
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PhD Fellowship: Investigations of New Electrode Materials for Sodium Ion Batteries

Supervisors: Dr. Elizabeth Castillo Martinez, Prof.Teofilo Rojo


Goals: The aim of this PhD project is to seek new electrode materials and evaluate its performance as electrodes for sodium ion batteries.

Approach: Based on the understanding of lithium ion batteries it is our goal to synthesize and characterize new materials that can act as anode or cathode in sodium ion batteries. Transition metal oxides, AMOy, Silicates as well as Nasicon type phases of general formula Na2M2(XO4)3 (M=transition metal and X=P, S) will be studied by diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. Investigation of the electrochemical performance of the new phases in half cells and electrochemical compatibility with suitable electrolytes and counter electrodes in full sodium ion cells will be performed. The mechanisms of sodium insertion and extraction will be studied aided by the use of several structural characterization techniques such as x-ray diffraction, XPS, electron microscopy and solid state NMR.

Interest of the project: With the advent of intermittent renewable sources, energy storage devices are being increasingly demanded. Lithium ion batteries are the preferred technology to power portable electronic devices and it is entering the electric vehicle market. Nevertheless the low cost and high abundance of sodium vs lithium make of sodium ion batteries a promising technology for large scale stationary applications. This would counteract for the slightly lower voltage at which sodium based cathode materials insert sodium delivering energy and for the reduction in gravimetric capacity due to the sodium being heavier than lithium. Despite the apparent similarities between lithium and sodium chemistries, important differences have been found in the electrochemical performance of active materials. Yet, sodium ion batteries have been relatively scarcely studied [[1]] and improvements in the performance of both cathode and anode materials [[2],[3]] that could lead to their c
ommercialization are currently under investigation.

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[1] Palomares, V.; Serras, P.; Villaluenga, I.; Hueso, K. B.; Carretero-Gonzalez, J. Rojo, T. Energy Environ. Sci.5, 5884-5901, (2012)

[2] Yabuuchi, N.; Kajiyama, M.; Iwatate, J.; Nishikawa, H.; Hitomi, S.; Okuyama, R.; Usui, R.; Yamada, Y; Komaba, S. Nat. Mat. In press (2012)

[3] Sengunttuvan, P.; Rousse, G.L.; Seznec, V.; Tarascon, J.M.; Palacin, R. Chem Mater. 23, 4109-4111 (2011)


What we offer

Eligible candidates must be registered master students at the UPV/EHU or at other European Universities and being eligible for pre-doctoral fellowship programs.

The contract will commence between September and November 2012. By then, the student should hold the Master degree to have access to the PhD program of a University.

Interested candidates please e-mail the supervisor with its reference in the subject including the following information:

A cover letter
Your CV including the BA/BSc qualification on a scale of 1-4
Names (including e-mail address) of at least two referees
(*) for non-european candidates, the position will be available only once researchers obtain all the immigration permits.

What we need

1.- Conditions

- Eligible students: candidates must hold a Master degree before the PhD fellowship begins
- National and international candidates are elegible.
- English and skill communications would be particularly valuable.
- Candidates should be highly motivated to pursue a scientific career
- Length: 3 years
- Economical offer: 18.500 € gross per year (aprox. 15.000 net)
- Funding:
* 5 best researchers evaluated: CIC Energigune will assume the investment based on its internal funds. Nevertheless those candidates will be encouraged to apply for grants.
* Other candidates: CIC Energigune will evaluate the possibility of offering a position based on obtaining a grant.


2.- Estimated cost of living in Vitoria

Items
Per Student Per Month (SGD)

Food
200

Accommodation - per person based on appartment sharing (own bedroom)
250 - 400

Transport Expenses (local)
40

Total Estimated Cost of Living
490 -640



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Información complementaria de la oferta:
Apply by website www.cicenergigune.com

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