Ultra-high energy density and fast charging lithium rechargeable batteries
Funded PhD position in Chemical and Materials Engineering
Last updated: July 10, 2025, 2:09 p.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Karim Zaghib, Xia Li, Sixu Deng
Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: Flexible (Fall 2025 preferred)
PhD Fellowship: 35K CAD per year for 4 years
Project overview
Canada and Quebec are driving battery innovation and zero-emission goals through strategic initiatives like Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Quebec’s Battery Strategy. Leveraging Quebec’s rich lithium resources, the project focuses on developing advanced Li-ion and solid-state Li-metal batteries to support off-grid energy and zero-emission buildings. It aims to strengthen Canada’s battery ecosystem, enhance IP, train talent, and create jobs—positioning the country as a leader in clean energy technologies.
Role description
The research will focus on the development of advanced materials for high-performance anodes, electrolytes, and cathodes with applications in fast-charging, safe, and sustainable energy storage systems.
The positions are part of multi-disciplinary projects involving:
- Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel electrode and electrolyte materials
- Electrochemical performance evaluation and optimization
- Materials modeling, nanomaterials, and interfacial engineering for energy storage
- Students will gain expertise in advanced materials science, electrochemistry, microscopy, computational modeling, and clean energy applications.
Research areas
- Objective A: High-performance anodes (Hard Carbon, Graphite, Si-C, LTO)
- Objective B: Next-generation liquid electrolytes (Li salts, non-flammable solvents, F-free additives)
- Objective C: High-capacity, low-cost cathodes (LMFP, NMC composites)
- Objective D: High-capacity Li anodes (Li metal, Li alloys, thin-film anodes)
- Objective E: Superior solid-state electrolytes (polymer, oxide, glass, and glass-ceramic SSEs)
Key responsibilities
- Design and synthesis of electrode or electrolyte materials (carbon-based, silicon-based, alloyed materials, solid-state electrolytes)
- Materials characterization using advanced techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, spectroscopy, electrochemical analysis)
- Development of novel materials for safety, performance, and environmental sustainability
- Modeling and optimization of electrochemical systems and battery performance
- Presentation of research findings in reports, publications, and conferences
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, Physics, or a related field
- Strong background in at least one of the following:
- Electrochemical energy storage (Li-ion, solid-state batteries)
- Materials synthesis and characterization (carbon materials, metal oxides, polymers, nanomaterials)
- Electrochemical analysis techniques
- Heat and mass transfer, modeling, and simulation (e.g., COMSOL, CFD, TRNSYS)
- Excellent laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
Preferred qualifications (assets):
- Experience with battery fabrication and testing (coin cells, pouch cells)
- Experience with solid-state electrolytes, lithium metal, or interface engineering
- Experience with computational modeling or data-driven optimization methods
- Knowledge of sustainable materials and green chemistry
- Fully funded PhD positions with competitive scholarships
- Access to world-class laboratories and research infrastructure
- Opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams with leading experts in battery science, materials engineering, and clean energy
- Participation in high-impact projects targeting commercialization and technology transfer
Please combine the following documents into a single PDF file.
- Letter of intent strongly aligned with the project and the research domain of the professor
- Academic CV
- Transcripts
- References
- Publications, if any
- Any other documents that might benefit your file
If you are already in Canada, or if you’re a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, please highlight this in your communications.
Send your PDF file to volt-age.recruitment@concordia.ca with the subject as Batteries_Your Name.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Questions/contact
For all questions, please contact Alisa Makusheva at alisa.makusheva@concordia.ca.
