Preparation of functional polymers for use in operating batteries

A funded Ph.D. position is available at the forefronts of polymer chemistry and batteries at the Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada. The jointly supervised project will focus on the synthesis of organic functional polymers and their use in operating batteries. Relevant project background is available: 10.1039/D4TC00551A, 10.1021/acsaem.2c03577, and 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c09127. Courtesy of the project, the student will gain valuable experience in materials discovery and their integration in operating batteries. The student will further acquire skills of using a broad ensemble of advanced equipment by receiving hands-on training from dedicated equipment specialists. This will be complemented with expanding professional and soft skills by participating in the various institutes, university, and network training activities.

The project is a collaboration between leading experts in the fields of battery fabrication/testing and functional polymer synthesis and characterization. The two research teams are located in the Université de Montréal’s new science complex that is an innovative center for materials development and characterization. State-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for both materials and device testing and characterization are available in the research center. The research team has a solid track record of collaboration. The members are also members of Quebec strategic networks in materials with access to leading experts in materials science and engineering. The teams are also founding members of the new Courtois Institute that leverages artificial intelligent for discovering the next generation of innovative materials for pioneering applications.

The successful candidate must have previous experience in polymer synthesis and the synthesis of organic monomers either at the master’s level or acquired from work term placement(s). The candidate must also have a working knowledge of polymer characterization including GPC, DSC, and TGA along with rheological measurements. The candidate must also be able to work in a team environment, have a certain degree of autonomy, and be proactive.