Two (2) PhD opportunities through INPhINIT Fellowships funded by La Caixa

Written on 03 December 2021.

The Electrochemical Processes Unit (ECPU) of IMDEA Energy offers two (2) PhD projects in the framework of the INPhINIT Fellowships funded by La Caixa. This program offers 35 fellowships for early-stage researchers of any nationality to pursue their PhD studies in research centres accredited with the Spanish Seal of Excellence Severo Ochoa, María de Maeztu or Health Institute Carlos III and Portuguese units accredited as “excellent” or “exceptional” according to the evaluation of the Fundação de Ciência e Tecnologia.

Deadline for submission of the applications is: 27/01/2022 (14:00)

The applications can be submitted here: https://fundacionlacaixa.org/en/inphinit-doctoral-fellowships-incoming

The topics of the two (2) PhD projects are:

1) "New accelerated testing methodologies and aging models of lithium – ion batteries"

Description: Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) offer particularly high performance in terms of energy and power densities and are used in a variety of industrial domains. However, one of the most important unsolved problems for LIBs coupled to intermittent electricity generation systems and to vehicles for the electrification of transport is the lifetime estimation for each particular market application. Typically, to determine the exact number of charge and discharge operational cycles of LIBs before losing their capacity requires exhaustive aging testing under intense operational conditions of a vast number of battery cells that is a very resource and time‑consuming process.

The objective of this work is the systematic investigation of the operation of commercial LIBs following unconventional accelerated aging profiles that provide a realistic idea of the resilience to cyclic degradation. In addition, it is planned to elaborate a holistic battery system model that allows understanding and predicting battery life based on operating profiles. This model will be based on both physical principles and processed results using massive data analysis techniques and should be able to provide in-depth insight and estimation of the battery state of charge and the state of health. Also, it should provide sufficient information to take smart decisions in specific applications depending on its final targets (increase performance, reduce costs, improve quality of services…).

The particular challenge here is to gain a profound understanding of the correlation between the degradation mechanisms and the operational parameter conditions yielding an optimized battery lifetime.

More informations for this topic can be found here: https://finder.lacaixafellowships.org/finder?position=5155 or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2) "Development of Solar Redox Flow Batteries"

Description: Solar Flow Batteries (SFBs) are a new type of devices that integrate solar energy conversion and electrochemical storage. The operation principle of SFBs is built on the working mechanism of RFBs and photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. In SFBs, the solar energy absorbed by photoelectrodes is converted into chemical energy by charging up redox couples dissolved in electrolyte solutions in contact with the photoelectrodes. To deliver electricity on demand, the reverse redox reactions are carried out to release chemical energy stored in redox couples as one would do in the discharge of a normal redox flow battery (RFB). Well-designed, SFBs could represent a more cost-effective, efficient, and compact approach for stand-alone off-grid electrification, such as solar home systems in remote or rural areas.

This research project will address the following interconnected aspects: (1) Developing compatible and energy level matching photoelectrode materials and redox electrolytes to maximize the photocharging efficiency (i.e. solar-to-chemical efficiency, STC%), (2) full characterization of redox couples and photoelectrodes, (3) understand the fundamental aspects of interfaces between the photoelectrode and the redox electrolyte under illumination, and (4) design and testing of SFB devices.

This project is envisaged as a joint endeavor between two research units of IMDEA Energy; the Electrochemical Processes Unit with a proven experience on the development of RFB, and the Photoactivated Processes Unit with a strong background on Photo and Photo-electrochemical processes. In particular, both supervisors hold ongoing ERC-Consolidator Grants on Redox Flow Battteries (MFreeB / R.Marcilla) and Photoreduction processes (HyMAP / V. de la Peña O’Shea). This PhD project will take advantage of the solid background of both groups and will gather together the most recent achievements in RFB and photoelectrode to make a big contribution in the nascent field of Solar Flow Batteries.

The main objective of this PhD is the development of efficient Solar Redox Flow Batteries able to be charged with solar light by means of photoelectrodes which absorb the incident solar energy and transfer the generated electrons to charge up redox couples in the electrolytes. The development of compatible photoelectrodes and redox electrolytes and the design and testing of SFBs will be key activities of this project.

More informations for this topic can be found here: https://finder.lacaixafellowships.org/finder?position=5160 or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tags: Fellowships, Batteries, flow batteries, lithium-ion batteries, solar flow batteries