Currently Ongoing PhD Theses in the 2025/2026 Academic Year
Advanced cathode materials for next-generation batteries: Li-S and Cobalt free cathodes
Supervisor: Dr. Prangya Parimita Sahoo /CEMEA SAV; e-mail: prangya.sahoo@savba.sk/
Student: Mgr. Manish
Study program: Inorganic Chemistry
Anotation: Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries represent a promising “beyond Li-ion” technology. These batteries utilize elemental sulfur, an abundant and cost-effective material. The use of sulfur enables the production of lightweight cells with more affordable materials while addressing supply shortages and the environmental and social challenges associated with cobalt production. Advanced protection techniques, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD), will enhance the stability of sulfur-carbon cathodes. In general, sulfur cathodes are prone to parasitic reactions caused by highly reactive lithium polysulfides and their dissolution into the electrolyte during cell cycling, which decreases the system’s durability and stability during charging/discharging cycles. Coating with an appropriate electrocatalyst and protective or functional thin-film layers has been shown to mitigate the shuttle effect and extend cell operation. This study will focus also on cobalt-free metal oxide cathode materials., The effect of ultrathin protective layers on the electrochemical properties of these advanced cathode materials will also be investigated.
Keywords: Li-ion batteries, Li-S cathode, Atomic Layer Deposition, LiMn2O4 cathode
Project within which the topic will be addressed:
ALD-protected Next Generation Lithium-Sulfur battery Cell, Europe Horizon project No. 101202842
Advanced anodes for next-generation Li-batteries
Supervisor: Dr. Prangya Parimita Sahoo /CEMEA SAV; e-mail: prangya.sahoo@savba.sk/
Student: Mgr. Adarsh Sunilkumar
Study program: Inorganic Chemistry
Anotácia: Current lithium-ion batteries use graphite anodes with excellent cycling performance, but their low discharge capacity limits further applications. Alloying-type anode materials like silicon are being widely studied due to their high capacity. Silicon also offers advantages such as abundance, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, silicon-based anodes face challenges, including significant volume expansion during lithiation/de-lithiation and the formation of an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, leading to capacity fade and degradation. This project aims to enhance the stability of high-silicon-content Si/Gr anodes. Strategies include protective surface coatings via atomic layer deposition (ALD), the use of electrolyte additives, and the development of novel polymer binders to improve rate performance and long-term stability. Alternatively, lithium metal application is considered as anode for the next generation of Li-batteries. However, the formation of dendrites during operation remains a critical challenge. To address instability of metal lithium, surface modification using ALD will be explored. Electrochemical measurements, will be conducted to evaluate the performance and stability of these advancements.
Keywords: Li-ion batteries, silicon anode, Atomic Layer Deposition, Lithium Metal Anode
Project within which the topic will be addressed:
FULLy integrated, autonomous & chemistry agnostic Materials Acceleration Platform for sustainable Batteries, FULL-MAP, projekt Horizon Europe No. 101192848
High-Voltage Layered and Spinel Cathode Materials for Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries
Supervisor: Dr. Prangya Parimita Sahoo /CEMEA SAV; e-mail: prangya.sahoo@savba.sk/
Student: Mgr. Indranil Bhattacharya
Study program: Inorganic Chemistry
Anotation: High-voltage cathode materials such as layered LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC 811) and spinel LiMn2O4 (LMO) and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) offer pathways to increased energy density in next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical application is hindered by surface degradation, transition-metal dissolution, and electrolyte oxidation at elevated voltages. This research focuses on enhancing the electrochemical stability and interfacial compatibility of these cathodes through atomic layer deposition (ALD) surface engineering, binder optimization, andelectrolyte tailoring. Ultrathin Al2O3 and TiO2 ALD coatings are applied to form conformal and protective layers that suppress undesired reactions and improve structural integrity. The effects of different binders—including PVDF, CMC/SBR, and alginates—on electrode adhesion and cycling stability are evaluated. Additionally, high-voltage electrolytes containing advanced salts and additives are examined for their compatibility with coated surfaces. Electrochemical measurements are carried out to evaluate the combined influence of coating, binder, and electrolyte optimization on capacity retention and enhanced safety above 4.5 V. Structural and interfacial changes are analyzed using XRD, SEM/TEM, and XPS techniques. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of degradation mechanisms and establish design strategies for durable, high-energy lithium-ion cathodes.
Keywords: High Voltage Batteries, Spinel, Dual-ion batteries, atomic layer deposition
Project within which the given topic will be addressed:
Sustainable High-Voltage Batteries Based on Hybrid Cathodes Enabling Dual-Ion Energy Storage, SusHiBatt, project M-ERA.NET