Developing New Binders for Li- and Na-ion batteries

The Laboratory for Electrochemically Functional Materials at the Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba is looking for graduate students to start in Fall 2019.

About the project:
Without great steps in battery development, the mobile technology revolution that has brought us smart phones, tablets and powerful laptop computers, would not have been possible. Ground-breaking research into materials that can reversibly insert lithium ions has developed the lithium-ion technology that we know today and that powers most mobile computing devices. Now is the time for young researchers to play a role in developing the next generation of batteries that will enable the renewable energy revolution. The project will explore the use of conjugated polymer based binders in Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries and all-solid-state batteries. These binders are designed to improve cycle life of batteries and enable the use of higher capacity materials while reducing manufacturing costs. This work encompasses binder synthesis, chemical, physical and mechanical characterization and imaging of binders and composite electrodes, and the fabrication, testing and characterization of functioning batteries.

Requirements:
- An undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related subject
- An excellent G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher (for international conversion, see http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/admissions/equivalencies.html)
- Proven english language proficiency (see http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/graduate_studies/admissions/139.html)
- Keen interest in electrochemistry and energy applications
- Ability to work in a team as well as independently

Application Procedure:
Applications should be sent to the principal investigator for this project Dr. Christian Kuss ([Email Address Removed]) and consist of a cover letter, CV, English language test certificate and transcripts. Please contact Dr. Christian Kuss in case of questions.