Senior Research Fellow (Development of safe high-power Li-ion batteries)

Job Description

This industry funded project aims to develop safe Li-ion battery technology for high power applications. Project will make use of high-power Li-ion cell technologies using phosphate based positive electrode materials along with titanate based negative electrode materials. NUS hold process patents for three electrode materials related to this project.

Project aims to optimize synthesis conditions for scale-up production of positive and negative electrode materials. Especially efforts will be made to tailor the cathode and anode materials for improving structural, thermal, chemical and electrochemical stability. Electrolyte additives will play a key role for improving energy efficiency and dissolution of transition metal ions during high rate of charge and discharge cycles.   Commercial type Li-ion cells will be fabricated using existing proto-type facility at NUS. Besides testing their storage performances, the team intends to estimate heat generated and correlate this with the internal resistance inferred from impedance spectroscopy studies. The candidate will use other characterization tools including X-ray diffraction, FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, SEM/TEM, DSC/DTA, etc., to understand improvements in kinetics, thermal and structural stabilities of these electrode and electrolyte materials.

The candidate will work closely with the team members and industry partner to assess various safety criteria on full cells fabricated as part of this project.

Qualifications

• Have completed PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or Materials Science & Engineering or Chemistry or Physics or closely related fields.
• The candidate is expected to have sound knowledge on electrochemistry related Li-ion battery and/or Na-ion battery.
• Have a strong desire to be involved in translational/applied research.
• Be a highly motivated, a good communicator (written and verbal), and passionate about research related to renewable energy.
• Preferably with minimum 2-5 years of experience at academic or industry after Ph.D. related to battery research.
• Be a strong team player with a keen interest to mentor team members.
• Possible extension beyond this contract period. 

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: College of Design and Engineering

Department : Mechanical Engineering

Employee Referral Eligible: No

Job requisition ID : 24270