Ultra-High Energy Density And Fast Charging Lithium Rechargeable Batteries
Funded PhD position in Chemical and Materials Engineering
Last updated: August 5, 2025, 11:41 a.m.
Supervisory details
Supervisor: Michel Laurent Trudeau
Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
University: Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
Start date: As soon as possible (Fall 2025, with possibilities up to Fall 2026)
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.
Project description
Theme 1: Advanced li-ion batteries
- Evaluate battery performance through cycling tests, rate capability, cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT).
- Assess safety and thermal behavior of NMC-based pouch cells, including gas emission analysis under varied temperature conditions in environmental chambers.
- Characterize materials and interfaces using thermal and safety analysis tools such as TGA-DSC, ARC, DEMS, and MCC to evaluate cell degradation and fire risks.
- Fabricate coin and pouch cells using fast-charging anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes; conduct iterative testing to optimize performance and scalability.
- Collaborate with industry to design and build cell-to-pack battery modules for EVs, integrating thermal management, digital modeling, and structural optimization.
Theme 2: Solid-state li metal batteries
- Develop solid-state batteries using coated cathodes (LFP, NMC, LNMO) and assess interfacial stability with solid state electrolytes (SSEs).
- Conduct electrochemical analysis on anodes and SSEs to evaluate Li-ion transport, dendrite suppression, and behavior under variable current loads and temperature conditions.
- Perform advanced characterization of materials and interphases using ex-situ and in-situ tools (XRD, XPS, Raman, SEM, TEM, synchrotron, etc.) via collaborations with national facilities.
- Analyze interfacial evolution during cycling and correlate structural changes with battery performance and safety indicators.
Research areas
- Battery Research
- Electrodeposition
- Materials Characterization
- Microscopy
- XPS
Requirements
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Nanotechnology, or a related discipline
- Experience with electrochemical testing techniques, such as CV, EIS, GITT, and galvanostatic cycling Knowledge of thermal and safety analysis methods (e.g., TGA-DSC, ARC, MCC, DEMS)
- Hands-on experience with coin cell or pouch cell fabrication and testing in controlled environments Familiarity with solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal batteries, including interfacial challenges and performance evaluation
- Proficiency in materials characterization tools, such as SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy Experience working with nanomaterials or interfacial coatings for energy storage applications
- Strong organizational and collaboration skills for working on multidisciplinary, industry-facing research projects Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and in team settings
- Asset: Familiarity with gas emission analysis, battery modeling, or glovebox/environmental chamber operation
- Fully funded PhD positions with a competitive annual stipend, along with additional funding for research- related travel, conferences, and industry collaboration.
- Hands-on experience in battery fabrication, advanced characterization, and safety evaluation using cutting- edge tools and facilities, including national laboratories.
- Collaboration with leading researchers and industry partners on real-world battery technologies for electric vehicles, grid storage, and clean energy applications.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment for material synthesis, electrochemical testing, and multi-scale characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, etc.).
- Structured mentorship from a cross-disciplinary research team and opportunities to publish in top journals and present at international conferences.
- A vibrant research ecosystem at Concordia University in Montreal—recognized globally for its innovation in sustainability, energy research, and materials science.
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
- Names and contact information of 3 referees 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 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.
