Postdoc in solid-state batteries - micromechanical modeling of cells

Tasks

The next leap in battery development is expected to be lithium solid-state batteries (SSB). The concept allows the flammable organic electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries to be replaced by a safer and more compact solid electrolyte. Within the framework of the Swedish state battery initiative COMPEL, which aims to support competence and excellence in battery research and education for the transport sector, KTH is mobilizing with a coordinated initiative on composite-SSB with seven postdoc positions from several disciplines focusing on different aspects along the battery value chain, ranging from synthesis, cell manufacturing, characterization, modeling to scaled-up production. The two-year postdoc project Micromechanical modeling and mechanical characterization of contact, interface and fracture in solid-state battery cells is located at the Department of Engineering Mechanics (div. Material and Structural Mechanics) at the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI). In a solid-state cell, mechanics determine whether the cell functions: unlike a liquid electrolyte, a solid cell must build up and maintain every solid-solid contact under load, while the charging and discharging of ions causes swelling and shrinkage, and the interfaces between active material, electrolyte, and current collector must maintain both adhesion and conductivity at the low stack pressures applicable in a real-world application. The project develops a micromechanical modeling framework that resolves the cell at the particle and interface level and couples its mechanical state to its electrochemical performance, where interface debonding, fracture, and particle fragmentation are represented as the mechanisms that reshape the network of conducting contacts. The framework is validated against experimental data from the COMPEL collaboration and delivers a design and operating map, including the cell's safe low-pressure window. The postdoc also contributes to the mechanical and structural characterization of materials and cells developed in the other projects.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A completed doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree in solid mechanics, engineering mechanics, computational mechanics, materials science, engineering physics, or a related subject, with some experience of batteries or battery materials. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English as required in daily work.
• Good skills in computation and numerical modeling, including the finite element method or multiphysics simulation and scientific programming.
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality.

Meritorious

• At most three years since the doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a doctoral degree was obtained by the final application date.
• Experience of solid-state or lithium-ion batteries and familiarity with the mechanics and characterization of battery materials and cells.
• Practical experience of coupled electro-chemo-mechanical modeling or phase-field modeling of fracture, contact, and micromechanics for particle or composite materials, mechanical testing and X-ray tomography, as well as programming (e.g., Python, C++ or Fortran).
• Demonstrating an innovative mindset, creativity, and the ability to work independently.
• Good collaborative skills and the ability and interest in working in a team.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities.

Become a part of KTH

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Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application shall include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in any West European language.
• A brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. max 1 page long.
• Contacts for references or letters of recommendation.

The application must reach KTH no later than the final application date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The employment is permanent, however, for a maximum of two years.

An employment as a postdoc is a fixed-term qualifying position primarily focused on research intended as a first career step after graduation.

Other

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