Project Description

Electrochemical energy storage is a key enabler of the global energy transition, and aqueous zinc metal batteries offer attractive solutions for grid-level storage, based on their low cost, material abundance, inherent safety advantages, and high specific capacity. Despite this promise, development is hindered by low cyclability, partly attributed to unwanted and uncontrolled processes occurring at the Zn anode. Overcoming this obstacle requires a fundamental understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic processes that govern Zn deposition, surface passivation, and hydrogen evolution. The Gilbreth Fellow will investigate these phenomena using state-of-the-art electrochemical characterization techniques, like chip-based electrochemical mass spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy, that yield unprecedented in-situ quantification of reaction dynamics. This project aims to use such information to develop the most complete kinetic description of competing processes at the Zn anode that will ultimately guide development of this critical sustainable technology.
The Fellow will be co-advised by Prof. Jeffrey Dick in Chemistry and Prof. Brian Tackett in Chemical Engineering, who are committed to career advancement of the successful candidate. Notably, recent collaboration on this topic between Profs. Dick and Tackett produced several high-impact papers (Angew. Chem.: https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202319010, Adv. Energy Mater.: https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202303998), and this project will build on that exciting foundation.  

Start Date

Jan 2025

Postdoc Qualifications

The candidate should have a background in electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, electrochemical engineering, electrocatalysis, and/or battery technology. Experience with experimental research is preferable but not strictly required. The candidate should hold a PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or similar. 

Co-advisors

Brian Tackett: bmtacket@purdue.edu, Chemical Engineering, https://engineering.purdue.edu/TackettGroup
Jeffrey Dick: jdick@purdue.edu, Chemistry, https://www.nanoelectrochemistry.com/ 

Bibliography