Postdoc in solid-state batteries - micromechanical modelling of cells

Postdoc in Solid-State Batteries - Micromechanical Modelling of Cells

Next leap in the battery development is expected to be lithium solid-state batteries (SSB), allowing the replacement of the flammable organic electrolyte in Li-ion batteries with a safer and a more compact solid electrolyte. Within the framework of the Swedish governmental battery initiative COMPEL, aimed to support competence and excellence in battery research and education for the transport sector, KTH join forces with a coordinated initiative on composite SSB with seven postdoctoral positions in several disciplines, focusing on various aspects along the battery value chain, ranging from synthesis, cell assembly, characterization, modeling to scaled-up manufacturing.

The 2-year postdoc project Micromechanical modelling and mechanical characterisation of contact, interfaces and fracture in solid-state battery cells is hosted by the Department of Engineering Mechanics (Division of Material and Structural Mechanics) at the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI). In a solid-state cell, mechanics decides whether the cell works: unlike a liquid electrolyte, a solid cell must build and maintain every solid-solid contact under load, while ion insertion and extraction cause swelling and shrinkage and the interfaces between active material, electrolyte and current collector must keep both adhesion and conduction at the low stack pressures of a real application.

The project develops a micromechanical modelling framework that resolves the cell at the scale of particles and interfaces and links its mechanical state to its electrochemical performance, representing interface debonding, fracture and particle fragmentation 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 safe low-pressure operating window of the cell.

The postdoc also contributes mechanical and structural characterisation of materials and cells developed in the other projects.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Solid Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Computational Mechanics, Materials Science, Applied 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.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, as this will be required in day-to-day work.
• Strong computational and numerical modelling skills, including finite element or multiphysics simulation and scientific programming.
• Awareness of diversity and equal treatment issues with a particular focus on gender equality.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the Final date to receive applications.
• Experience with solid-state or lithium-ion batteries and familiarity with the mechanics and characterisation of battery materials and cells.
• Hands-on experience with coupled electro-chemo-mechanical or phase-field fracture modelling, contact and micromechanics of particulate or composite materials, mechanical testing and X-ray tomography, and programming (e.g. Python, C++ or Fortran).
• An innovative mindset and ability to work independently.
• Good collaborative skills and abilities and interest in working in a team.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

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