Postdoctoral Appointee – Advanced Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Batteries

The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division seeks a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct research focused on the development of long-life, high-density cathode materials for electrochemical energy storage systems under the guidance of a supervising scientist. 

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of advanced layered oxide cathode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. This work will include the use of advanced synthesis methods, electrochemical testing, and state-of-the-art characterization techniques to understand material behavior and improve next-generation energy storage technologies. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and synthesize layered oxide precursor materials using a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR), with control over morphology, particle size, and composition 

• Conduct physical, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical characterization of layered oxide cathode materials using a range of analytical techniques 

• Establish relationships between the physical and chemical properties of layered oxide cathodes and their electrochemical performance in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery systems 

• Perform advanced characterization using synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to investigate material behavior and interfacial chemistry during synthesis and battery operation 

• Develop mechanistic understanding of cathode operation and degradation, and identify pathways to improve the performance and safety of advanced electrochemical cells 

• Analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate findings through: 

• manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals 

• presentations at scientific conferences 

• internal reports 

• and group meeting presentations 

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• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or equivalent 

• Required hands-on experience with co-precipitation synthesis using a CSTR reactor for the production of layered oxide precursors and cathode materials 

• Strong background in electrochemistry, including experience performing and interpreting: 

• galvanostatic testing of half-cells and full cells  

• electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) 

• and cyclic voltammetry 

• Familiarity with synchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques, including diffraction and spectroscopy, particularly for in situ studies of materials and interfacial chemistry under synthesis conditions and during high-temperature, high-voltage, or high-rate operation 

• Significant experience in evaluating the thermal stability and safety of cathode materials and battery systems using techniques such as: 

• thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) 

• TGA-mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) 

• and related methods 

• Broad understanding of materials science concepts relevant to electrochemical systems, including oxides, composites, and electrochemical interfaces, with the ability to apply insights from related research areas to solve battery materials challenges 

• Demonstrated ability to process, analyze, and interpret experimental results effectively 

• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with a solid publication record and evidence of growing recognition in relevant research areas 

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork 

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