Doctoral student in Bio-graphene via catalytic graphitization for Li–S Full-time

Doctoral Student In Bio-graphene Via Catalytic Graphitization For Li–S

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy-storage systems, offering a very high theoretical specific energy of 2,600 Wh kg⁻¹ while relying on sulfur, an abundant and low-cost element.

This PhD project aims to develop and validate a scalable and sustainable process for converting biochar into high-performance three-dimensional bio-graphene for Li–S battery applications. By combining Fe-catalyzed graphitization, molten-salt templating, and controlled tuning of residual iron species, the resulting materials will exhibit high electrical conductivity, hierarchical porosity, and tailored polar active sites. These features are expected to enable high sulfur utilization, lean-electrolyte operation, and long-term cycling stability in Li–S cells.

The project will be carried out within a dynamic international research environment at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, in close collaboration with industrial partners through national innovation programs. The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories for catalysis, materials synthesis, and advanced characterization, and will work closely with experienced researchers specializing in bio-graphene and battery applications.

Supervision: Docent Weihong Yang and Professor Pär Jönsson are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge.
• Experience in carbon materials synthesis and processing, including catalytic graphitization and/or templating approaches, is required.
• Good English communication skills, both written and spoken, are also necessary in the daily work.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.
• We are looking for a strongly motivated person with a genuine interest in research and innovation. Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required to publish and present results at international conferences and in scientific journals.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.