The Institute for Energy and Climate Research, Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9), at Forschungszentrum Jülich is seeking qualified applicants for master thesis, in electrochemical research with a focus on the development of solid-state batteries.
The need for electrical storage is prevalent in the modern world, the widespread adoption Li-ion batteries can be found in devices ranging from small personal electronics to larger battery banks used in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage for renewable energy. These batteries although having large capacities have the inherent disadvantage of being a fire hazard leading to a high risk of catastrophic failure. Novel solid-state batteries represents a possible route for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage devices due to their higher stability, longer lifetime and high energy density. Out of the possible candidates for solid state electrolytes sulphides proves to be a promising candidate due to their high energy storage and low cost. However due to the sensitivity of traditional sulphide materials to atmospheric conditions, processing and assembling of the solid-state battery is an issue. Therefore, this project will research and develop new sulphide materials that are more stable in atmosphere for solid-state battery applications.
The successful candidate will synthesize sulphide electrolytes for solid-state batteries and characterize them electrochemically and by material science. New materials will be synthesised to achieve sulphide electrolytes that are more stable in atmospheric conditions either through dopants or modified morphologies. Furthermore, the physical and electrochemical properties of the generated electrolyte materials will be characterized experimentally. Further development of the generated materials as materials in solid-state batteries, to evaluate and optimize the electrochemical properties, is also expected to demonstrate the research results and show potential industrial usability.
Your responsibilities:
- Literature review of state-of-the-art battery research
- Synthesis of sulphide electrolytes for battery applications (liquid state synthesis and solid state synthesis).
- Characterization of material properties and electrochemical properties using SEM-EDAX, XRD, XPS, TGA, EIS, CV, GCPL, etc.
- Advance the sulphide electrolyte performance and optimize the stability.
Your profile:
- Ongoing master education in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Electrical Engineering.
- Experience on material synthesis as well as in the laboratory.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Good command of written and spoken English is mandatory.
We offer:
- A highly motivated, supportive group in a diverse, stimulating and interdisciplinary working environment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of Europe’s largest research centres.
- Continuous professional and scientific support by your supervisors.
- A part-time contract as student assistant.
- Potential for extended employment (fixed term) depending on interest and performance.
Contact:
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Hermann Tempel, h.tempel@fz-juelich.de
Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich