Electrochemical energy storage devices (i.e. batteries) provide power to a wide variety of critical Navy applications ranging from expeditionary to shipboard, undersea to air and space. Our group is focused on evaluating the performance and safety of commercial, Navy relevant batteries as well as exploring fundamental energy storage and degradation mechanisms for novel devices. Identifying and developing potentially advantageous technologies including solid-state and metal anode batteries are of particular interest to our group. By leveraging tools for the characterization of heat generation (e.g. Isothermal Battery Calorimetry), electrode morphology (e.g. in situ optical microscopy and X-ray computed tomography), and chemical composition (e.g. in situ x-ray and Raman spectroscopy), our research aids the development, selection, and real-world operation of multiple Navy platforms. Quantifying the severity high-energy battery failures induced by abusive testing is another major focal point of our research.

 

We are seeking applications for postdoctoral positions with interested and experience in these or similar research topics. Qualified candidates will:

·         Have a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar technical field

·         Be a US citizen or permanent resident, and

·         Have proficiency in one or more relevant characterization techniques (e.g. SEM, XRD, Raman, FT-IR, Accelerating Rate Calorimetry, Isothermal Battery Calorimetry, electrochemical methods, battery electrode fabrication).

 

References:

Carter R, et al, “Mechanical collapse as primary degradation mode in mandrel-free 18650 Li-ion cells operated at 0° C”, Journal of Power Sources, 437, 2019

Bock DC, Waller GH, et al, “Investigation of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer Formation and Electrochemical Reversibility of Magnetite, Fe3O4, Electrodes: A Combined X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study”, Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 122,26,14527, 2018

Waller GH, et al, “Structure and surface chemistry of Al2O3 coated LiMn2O4 nanostructured electrodes with improved lifetime”, Journal of Power Sources, 306, 162-170, 2016

key words

Battery; Safety; Energy Storage; Lithium-ion; Electrochemistry; Impedance spectroscopy; Nanomaterials; Calorimetry;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants