PhD Position - EPR Spectroscopy to Investigate Redox and Electron Transport Processes in Polymer Batteries

Your Job:

Organic radical polymer-based batteries (ORB) have garnered significant attention primarily due to their exceptional fast charging/discharging characteristics and the potential to replace rare and potentially toxic metals. The batteries rely on organic redox-active polymers (ORP) that undergo rapid oxidation and reduction reactions. The high power densities of current ORBs are particularly interesting for so-called "Internet of Things" (IoT) devices that typically discharge with rather high currents and short-duration pulse loads for data transmission. In this interdisciplinary project, continuous-wave and pulse electron paramagnetic spectroscopy (EPR) is employed to investigate charge transfer processes within the composite cathode to find an optimum combination of active material and conductive additive as well as understand the relation between radical density and battery capacity and degradation. To facilitate fast transient pulse EPR, a setup with longitudinal detection (LOD) will be implemented. Using materials from our project partners, redox processes will be characterized in operando to study the state-of-charge dependence of dynamic processes, and to identify degradation mechanisms in ORBs. Your tasks include:

• Develop and implement an LOD EPR setup on a commerical spectrometer
  
• Investigate radical-based polymer materials by continuous-wave and pulse EPR
  
• Conduct 2D relaxation correlation experiments in combination with Laplace inversion
  
• Study of cycling behavior of polymer-based battery cell by in operando EPR
  
• Supplement EPR measurements by other spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques
  
• Exchange with internal and external project partners at IEK-12 and University of Münster (WWU)
  
• Participate in project meetings as well as prepare scientific publications and project reports
  
• Mentor students and contribute to teaching at RWTH Aachen

Your Profile:

• Completed Master’s degree in chemistry, physics or related fields
  
• Previous eperience with magnetic resonance required
  
• Experience in electrochemistry and polymer chemistry desirable
  
• Good mechanical and electronics skills, motivation to building new devices
  
• Excellent ability to work as a part of interdisciplinary team and in cooperative manner
  
• Very good communication skills
  
• Ability to show initiative and work independently in a structured, organized way
  
• Fluent command of written and spoken English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work, and flexible working hours
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Worldwide unique spectro-electrochemical characterization techniques
  
• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service