Early Stage Researcher

I am Alessandro Michieletto and I come from Italy. I studied Materials Science in Padua, both Bachelor and Master, and I graduated with a thesis on electrochemically mediated atomic transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) in aqueous solvent. Later I worked as a research fellow in the electrochemical characterization of C3N4-based materials.

In July 2020, I joined the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany, with the goal of developing polymeric micelles of redox active materials for polymeric redox flow batteries. This international and interdisciplinary project is an exciting challenge and fits well with the skills I have developed. I am looking forward to working in the Schubert Group.

In my free time I enjoy reading books, especially science fiction and fantasy, and I have a passion for history.

Research topic

The main objective of this PhD study is the preparation of micelles of redox-active diblock copolymers for aqueous polymer redox flow batteries. This project will include (i) synthesis of diblock copolymers containing a redox-active block, (ii) detailed study of the copolymer micellisation (DLS, cryoTEM) and stability of the polymeric micelles, (iii) investigation of the viscosity and the electrochemical properties of the micelles in water-based anolytes and catholytes for polymer redox flow batteries.

Host institution and PhD enrolment
Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert
ulrich.schubert@uni-jena.de

Secondments

• 2 months at Aalto University, Finland (High-resolution electronic microscopy and scattering techniques)
• 3 months at Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan (Research in industrial setup towards upscaling)
• 3 months at IMDEA Energy, Spain (Electrochemical properties of redox-active polymers in non-aqueous electrolytes)

Additional Mentors

Dr. Rebeca Marcilla (IMDEA Energy, Spain, rebeca.marcilla@imdea.org)

The main objective of this PhD study is the development and synthesis of solid polymer electrolytes for the application in hybrid organic polymer batteries. This project will include (i) synthesis of solid polymer electrolytes, (ii) characterisation of the SPE regarding molecular and macroscopic properties through thermal, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert
ulrich.schubert@uni-jena.de

Secondments

• 3 months at Deakin University, Australia (Solid-state NMR)
• 3 months at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany (Electrochemical investigations)
• 3 months at Toyota Motor Europe, Belgium (Assembly and testing of post-LiB prototypes)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Stefano Passerini (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, stefano.passerini@kit.edu)Application deadline expired

The main objective of this PhD study is the synthesis of new, naturally inspired redox polymers including catechol, polyphenol, or quinone functionalities. This project will include (i) smart-selection monomers and polymerisation methods, (ii) electrochemical characterisation of redox-active polymers, (iii) integration of selected redox polymers in polymer redox flow batteries or as redox active binders.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

University of the Basque Country, Spain

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. David Mecerreyes
david.mecerreyes@ehu.es

Secondments

• 2 months at Friedrich Schiller University, Germany DE (Electrochemical properties of selected redox polymers in advanced electrolytes)
• 2 months at National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia (Investigation of redox polymers as redox active binder in post-lithium-ion batteries)
• 6 months at E22 Energy Storage Solutions, Spain (Prototype assembly and battery testing)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Roberto Dominko (National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia, Robert.Dominko@ki.si)
• tba (E22 Energy Storage Solutions, Spain)

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I am Alessandro Innocenti, from Italy. For my Bachelor and Master degrees, I studied Energy Engineering at the Polytechnic of Milan, with a final thesis on the degradation of commercial lithium-ion batteries. I am passionate about innovation and sustainability, and this is the main reason why I chose to apply for a ESR position in the POLYSTORAGE project. I am really eager to work to go beyond the state of the art of electrochemical energy storage with such a wide and competent multidisciplinary network of universities and industries.

In particular, I am dealing with the realization and the characterization of hybrid organic battery prototypes, composed of redox-active polymer cathodes, solid polymer electrolytes and lithium metal anodes, with the supervision of Prof. Stefano Passerini. My host institution is the Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU) in the city of Ulm, Germany. It is a really nice place for a long-distance runner like me, with lots of hills, lakes, woods and a schöne river.

Research topic

The main objective of this PhD study is the development of lab-scale prototype hybrid organic batteries containing solid polymer electrolytes and redox polymer electrodes. This project will include (i) identification of cell fabrication parameters leading to good cell performance and long cycle life, (ii) investigation of charge transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface, (iii) fabrication of laboratory-scale prototype cells containing a redox polymer cathode, a solid polymer electrolyte, and a lithium metal anode.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Stefano Passerini
stefano.passerini@kit.edu

Secondments

• 7 months at Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium (Synthesis and characterisation of self-assembled redox block copolymers)
• 3 months at NETZSCH Gerätebau GmbH, Germany (Cell testing and thermal characterisation)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Jean-François Gohy (Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium, jean-francois.gohy@uclouvain.be)

The main objective of this PhD study is the construction of solid electrolytes with high bulk conductivity and good interfacial properties. This project will include (i) coating of polymer electrolytes by UV curing on ceramic (Garnet oxide) electrolyte particles, (ii) all-solid-state battery construction based on polymer-coated solid-state electrolytes and testing thereof, (iii) tailoring of interfacial properties for functional solid-state devices, (iv) characterisation of electrode-polymer-ceramic interfaces and interphases.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Uppsala University, Sweden

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Kristina Edström
kristina.edstrom@kemi.uu.se

Secondments

• 4 months at University of Pau, France (Advanced characterisation of polymer structures)
• 2 months at Aalto University, Finland (Simulation of polymer attachment to ceramic electrolyte particles)
• 3 months at Scania CV AB, Sweden (Prototype testing and electron-microscopy characterisation)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Laurent Rubatat (University of Pau, France, laurent.rubatat@univ-pau.fr)

Application deadline expired

The main objective of this PhD study is the development and evaluation of synthetic strategies for the synthesis of ABC-type block copolymers. This project will include (i) synthesis of polymers with pendant groups for increased ionic mobility, (ii) structural characterisation and morphological understanding of ABC-type block copolymers, (iii) understanding of the structure/morphology influences on ionic mobility and mechanical properties in ABC-type block copolymers.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Uppsala University, Sweden

Main supervisor

Dr. Tim Melander Bowden
Tim.Bowden@kemi.uu.se

Secondments

• 3 months at Aalto University, Finland (Conductive and mechanical mapping)
• 3 months at University of Pau, France (Characterisation of block copolymers)
• 3 months at Scania CV AB, Sweden (Industrial battery testing)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Laurent Rubatat (University of Pau, France, laurent.rubatat@univ-pau.fr)

Application deadline

01 June 2020

Further information can be found here.

The main objective of this PhD study is the development of block copolymers incorporating three distinct functionalities: a redox polymer block for energy storage, a conducting polymer block to ensure electrical conductivity and efficient charge collection, and a solid polymer electrolyte block ensuring good ion conductivity for ion-exchange processes. This project will include (i) study of the phase separation among the different constituent blocks, (ii) proper annealing procedures, (iii) characterisation of the obtained nanostructures, (iv) electrochemical characterisation (electrical and ionic conductivities, hybrid organic batteries).

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Jean-François Gohy
jean-francois.gohy@uclouvain.be

Secondments

• 4 months at University of Pau, France (AFM to characterise self-assembled block-copolymer nanostructures)
• 2 months at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany (Preparation of solid polymer electrolytes)
• 3 months at Evonik Creavis GmbH, Germany (Prototyping of hybrid organic batteries)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Stefano Passerini (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, stefano.passerini@kit.edu)

Application deadline expired

The main objective of this PhD study is the preparation of solid polymer electrolytes using free radical polymerisation to obtain electrolytes with non-flammability, high thermal stability (≥ 150 °C), high ionic conductivity (≥ 0.1 mS/cm at room temperature), high safety, resistance towards lithium dendrite growth and related short circuits, and processability at industrial level using in-situ preparation and solvent-free procedures. This project will include (i) UV- and/or thermally induced free radical polymerisation, (ii) surface functionalisation of the already prepared polymer electrolytes using functionalised ionic liquids to increase conductivity and safety, (iii) characterisation of polymer networks by thermal, mechanical, and surface analysis, (iv) electrochemical characterisation (ionic conductivity -40 to 100 °C, electrochemical stability, performance by CD studies), (v) optimisation of dendrite growth and ion diffusion by the use of specifically selected and/or developed additives.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Claudio Gerbaldi
claudio.gerbaldi@polito.it

Secondments

• 5 months at University of the Basque Country, Spain (Synthesis of polymeric single-ion conductors)
• 4 months at Toyota Motor Europe, Belgium (Assembly and testing of post-lithium-ion batterie prototypes)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. David Mecerreyes (University of the Basque Country, Spain, david.mecerreyes@ehu.es)

Application deadline expired

The main objective of this PhD study is the development of redox-active colloids or suspensions of polymer-based particles. The redox-active particles should act as individual charge carriers incorporating redox functionalities into a well-defined polymer 3D structure for facile charge transport. Translation of the semi-solid redox flow battery concept, already demonstrated for inorganic materials (lithium-ion, sodium-ion chemistry), to the polymer field. The suspensions will contain redox-active moieties derived from quinones, viologens, nitroxides, catechols, etc., which will provide the reversible redox behaviour. This project will include (i) synthesis of redox-active polymer dispersions, (ii) preparation of conductive suspensions using conducting polymers or carbonaceous additives, (iii) electrochemical investigation of redox-active suspensions, (iv) investigation of semi-solid redox flow batteries using redox-active materials with different redox potentials.

Host institutions

University of the Basque Country, Spain (01.03.2020 – 31.08.2021)
IMDEA Energy, Spain (01.09.2021 – 28.02.2023)

PhD enrolment

University of the Basque Country (Spain)

Main supervisors

Prof. Dr. David Mecerreyes
david.mecerreyes@ehu.es

Dr. Rebeca Marcilla
rebeca.marcilla@imdea.org

Secondments

• 4 months at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany (Synthesis of redox-active polymers)
• 5 months at E22 Energy Storage Solutions, Spain (Investigation of semi-solid redox flow batteries at semi-industrial scale)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, ulrich.schubert@uni-jena.de)
  tba (E22 Energy Storage Solutions, Spain)

Application deadline

31 May 2020

Further information can be found here.

I am Rebecca Grieco from Rome, Italy. I received my Masters Degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University Sapienza in Rome. I worked during my master internship in the Energy and Technologies Department of ENEA Casaccia, Rome, and during this project I synthesized and characterized a series of layered spinel materials with the general chemical formula xLi2MnO3 (1-x) LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 to be used as cathodes in lithium ion cells.

In July 2020 I joined the IMDEA Energy Institute in Madrid, Spain. The main objective of my PhD project is the development of conjugated porous polymers with large surface area and redox active groups. This project includes the synthesis of these polymers with redox-active groups, the control of the morphology and the investigation of the electrochemical properties in a half-cell configuration.

I am very excited to become part of Dr. Rebeca Marcilla's team and contributing to the scientific research of new materials for a more sustainable energy system. Given my interest in this topic acquired during my studies, I have decided to participate in the POLYSTORAGE project and I am sure that thanks to this project I will be able to grow as a researcher.

In my free time I like rock climbing, trekking and photography.

Research topic

The main objective of this PhD study is the development of conjugated porous polymers with a large surface area and redox-active groups. The porous material will include at least two distinct functionalities, a functionality able to undergo fast and reversible redox reactions and a conducting polymer functionality to ensure electrical conductivity and efficient charge collection. This project will include (i) synthesis of conjugated porous polymers having redox-active moieties, (ii) control of the morphology through reaction conditions, (iii) investigation of electrochemical properties in a half-cell configuration, (iv) understanding the structure-performance relationships.

Host institution

IMDEA Energy, Spain

PhD enrolment

University of the Basque Country, Spain

Main supervisor

Dr. Rebeca Marcilla
rebeca.marcilla@imdea.org

Secondments

• 2 months at Aalto University, Finland (High-resolution morphological characterisation and 3D imaging of conjugated polymers)
• 4 months at National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia (Characterisation in post-lithium-ion batteries)
• 4 months at FAAM Research Center, Italy (Hybrid organic battery prototypes)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Janne Ruokolainen (Aalto University, Finland, janne.ruokolainen@aalto.fi)
• Dr. Matteo Destro (FAAM Research Center, Italy)

The objective of this PhD study is the optimisation and processing of polymer-electrolyte formulations towards adaption to semi-automatic or fully automatic pilot lines as well as the verification of the possibility of direct deposition on the electrode surface at a lab-scale. This project will include (i) in-situ polymerisation of the selected liquid, multifunctional reactive precursors onto the electrode film using UV-induced thermal polymerisation processes, (ii) assembly and electrochemical testing of electrode/electrolyte multilayers, (iii) fabrication of advanced all-solid lithium-ion polymer cells at a lab-scale, (iv) design of a suitable pilot plant to implement the developed process and realise a basic proof-of-concept engineering comprising market analysis.

Host institution

LITHOPS S.R.L., Italy

PhD enrolment

Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Main supervisor

Dr. Matteo Destro
matteo.destro@lithops.it

Secondments

• 2 months at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany (Conductivity, mechanical properties, and cation transference of polymer electrolytes)
• 8 months at Politecnico di Torino, Italy (Optimisation of formulation and in-situ production process of the electrolyte)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Claudio Gerbaldi (Politecnico di Torino, Italy, claudio.gerbaldi@polito.it)
• Prof. Dr. Stefano Passerini (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany, stefano.passerini@kit.edu)

Application deadline expired

The main objective of this PhD study is the development of a novel strategy to optimise the lithium-(or sodium-)ion-transport number without sacrificing ionic conductivity through multiscale polymer-blend self-assembly. This project will include (i) synthesis of homopolymers, di- and triblock copolymers containing polar blocks able to host and dissociate the salt (ion-conducting block), single-ion blocks with grafted anions, and mechanically stable high-glass-temperature blocks, (ii) specific sample preparation, e.g., in-situ polymerisation, to generate multiscales out of equilibrium morphologies, (iii) characterisation of morphologies with small-angle scattering techniques supplemented by microscopy.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

University of Pau, France

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Laurent Rubatat
laurent.rubatat@univ-pau.fr

Secondments

• 5 months at Uppsala University, Sweden (Synthesis of di- and triblock copolymers)
• 2 months at Chemspeed Technologies AG, Switzerland (High-output block copolymer synthesis)
• 2 months at National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia (Characterisation in post-lithium-ion batteries)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Daniel Brandell (Uppsala University, Sweden, daniel.brandell@kemi.uu.se)

Application deadline expired

The objective of this PhD study is the morphological characterisation and 3D imaging of self-assembling polymer electrolytes and copolymer micellisation, including (i) nanoscale structure characterisation using high-resolution instrumentation (e.g., HR-TEM, liquid-helium cryo-TEM, 3D-imaging using dual beam FIB-SEM, and AFM), (ii) material characterisation by small-angle X-ray and XRD methods, (iii) cryo-TEM study of the redox-active diblock copolymer micellisation and the stability of the polymeric micelles.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Aalto University, Finland

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Janne Ruokolainen
janne.ruokolainen@aalto.fi

Secondments

• 2 months at Uppsala University, Sweden (Synthesis of ABC-type block copolymers)
• 3 months at Friedrich Schiller University, Germany (Synthesis of multiblock copolymers containing a redox-active block)
• 3 months at Chemspeed Technologies AG, Switzerland (Structure-property relationships)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, ulrich.schubert@uni-jena.de)

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I am Olivera Lužanin from Serbia. I had the pleasure of joining the Department of Materials Chemistry at the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana in March 2020. At the moment, I’m working on the development and synthesis of hybrid organic polymers and their application in post-lithium-ion batteries.

I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical chemistry, which I obtained at the Faculty of Physical Chemistry, University of Belgrade. My previous research experience includes work on nanostructured conjugated polymers and their application in fuel cells, and organic-based electrode materials for supercapacitors.

POLYSTORAGE offers a unique opportunity to be a part of the dynamic team and work on current problems related to energy storage with top-notch experts. These were the main reasons I was eager to take part in the project. Aside from being passionate about chemistry, I would say I’m a film enthusiast with a keen interest in cognitive psychology.

Research topic

The main objective of this PhD study is the development and synthesis of hybrid organic polymers and their application in post-lithium-ion batteries (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium). This project will include (i) synthesis of hybrid organic polymers, (ii) characterisation of the hybrid organic polymers, and (iii) application in monovalent and multivalent post-lithium-ion batteries.

Host institution

National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia

PhD enrolment

University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Main supervisors

Prof. Dr. Robert Dominko
Robert.Dominko@ki.si

Prof. Dr. Janez Cerkovnik
Janez.Cerkovnik@fkkt.uni-lj.si

Secondments

• 2 months at University of the Basque Country, Spain (Optimization of hybrid organic polymer synthesis);
• 3 months at Aalto University, Finland (Post-mortem investigations of hybrid organic polymers);
• 3 months at FAAM Research Center (Post-lithium-ion battery prototyping)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Janne Ruokolainen (Aalto University, Finland, janne.ruokolainen@aalto.fi)
• Dr. Roberto Beretta (FAAM Research Center, Italy)

The main objective of this PhD study is the development of a battery system (stack, control) optimised for new polymer-based redox flow chemistries. (i) Identification of stack materials, (ii) cell assembly, (iii) development of the control system, and (iv) techno-economic analysis of the solution for product commercialisation.

Host institution

E22 Energy Storage Solutions, Spain

PhD enrolment

University of the Basque Country, Spain

Main supervisor

Veselin Miroslavov
vmiroslavov@energystoragesolutions.com

Secondments

• 2 months at Friedrich Schiller University, Germany (Synthesis of redox-active polymers)
• 4 months at IMDEA Energy, Spain (Development of redox-active colloids/suspensions)
• 4 months at Deakin University, Australia (Evaluation of redox-active polymers with redox flow battery setup)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. Maria Forsyth (Deakin University, Australia, maria.forsyth@deakin.edu.au)
• Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, ulrich.schubert@uni-jena.de)

Application deadline expired

The main objective of this PhD study is the study of the oxygen-reduction reaction mechanisms in an ionic-liquid-based solid electrolyte using carbon-based materials as air cathodes. This project will include (i) synthesis of ionogels, (ii) electrochemical studies in half cells, and (iii) electrochemical investigations in full cells using sodium as the anode.

Host institution and PhD enrolment

Deakin University, Australia

Main supervisor

Prof. Dr. Maria Forsyth
maria.forsyth@deakin.edu.au

Secondments

• 4 months at University of the Basque Country, Spain (Synthesis of ionogels)
• 4 months at Calix Limited, Australia (Study of influence of nanoparticles addition to solid electrolytes)

Additional Mentors

• Prof. Dr. David Mecerreyes (University of the Basque Country, Spain, david.mecerreyes@ehu.es)

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