PRR Project

Summary

Tenure-track Auxiliary Researcher position aligned with the thematic lines GreenChem and MatChem, in particular electrochemical energy storage and advanced materials for energy.??????? Rationale:Electrochemistry is a key enabler for the EU Green Transition, sustaining the development of advanced materials for different technologies, particularly electrochemical energy storage, green hydrogen and CO2 electrolysis. Electrode materials and electrolyte interfaces are central to these technologies, influencing device metrics, efficiency, lifetime, and economic viability. CQE holds a strong track record in electrochemical energy storage studies, including commercialization of a novel technology based on eco-friendly materials and electrolytes.Reliability of electrochemical technologies depends strongly on the bulk electrode material and electrolyte properties and many studies and techniques address this important issue. Equally important, electrode-electrolyte interfaces have a significant impact on the electrochemical mechanisms that govern devices response. However, due to their rapid dynamics, especially at localized level, studying them poses significant scientific challenges.CQE pioneered localized studies and quasi- simultaneous acquisition of important parameters using dedicated microsensors (e.g. ion-selective microelectrodes), to ensure both time and 3D space resolution and enable data extraction at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Recently, CQE published the first localized interfacial studies on energy storage materials during dynamic processes (e.g. oxygen evolution and deep charge-discharge cycles), highlighting results that are essential for improving the efficiency of electrode materials.The new job profile will further advance the localized electrochemical research at CQE, expanding in-situ interfacial studies and developing microsensors tailored to monitor electrode interfaces in energy related devices (sodium batteries, pseudocapacitors, water and CO2 electrolysis). The research will also study interfaces under electrochemical stress, such as deep charge and discharge, which can significantly reduce the lifespan of devices. Moving beyond the state of art, the research will explore machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance electrochemical tools for faster and multidimensional data acquisition. These advancements promise to revolutionize studies on interfacial electrochemistry and facilitate the development of more reliable materials and energy solutions, thus supporting the Digital Green Transition. Tasks:The scientific ambition is to enable in-operando localized electrochemical studies at electrode/electrolyte interfaces in energy applications. The results will be essential for (1) discriminating the fundamental underlying mechanisms in different electrode materials and (2) feeding/training and validating the prediction models (including ML approach), enabling interface engineering. The aim is to achieve a notable reduction in data acquisition time, elevating time resolution to unprecedented levels, and implementing a more straightforward distribution of scan points to extract maximum information.Development of novel experimental protocols: Hardware enhancement includes design, development and integration of new sensors and new techniques for relevant quasi-simultaneous localized measurements at electrodes’ interfaces.Software enhancement through integration of ML and AI into data collection processes to predict sensors response. This enables much faster data acquisition and supports intelligent "3D scan" techniques for rapid volume imaging of localized electrochemical data.Mechanistic studies and understanding of intercalation and surface electroactive processes supporting materials design for green energy storage.Application to competitive research grants, training of MSc and PhD students, young researchers and establishment of partnerships with companies.Knowledge protection and valorization.Publication of high impact papers and participation in relevant conferences.Interdisciplinary cooperation within CQE thematic lines strengthening CQE mission.Organization and participation in networking, science dissemination and outreach. Scientific profile required:Candidate with a solid track record in electrochemistry and surface engineering and relevant contributions on advancement of materials for the energy sector and related infrastructures. Extensive experience in localized electrochemistry, particularly in-situ sensing tools. Skills in interdisciplinary research, and strong publication record in the field of localized electrochemistry applied to surface engineering. Experience in PhD students´ supervision. Experience in submitting international project proposals and established collaborations with industry and academia. Experience in modeling and interest in developing new digital tools based on AI and ML for advanced localized electrochemistry.