PhD Position – Development of all-solid-state batteries

Work group:

IEK-9 – Grundlagen der Elektrochemie

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:

Your Job:

The application of electrochemical storage devices, such as Li-ion batteries, ranges from small portable electronic devices to large electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems for renewable energies. However, the safety concern of the batteries due to the used of flammable organic liquid electrolyte set the battery under fire risk. Novel all-solid-state batteries represent one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage technologies of the next generation due to their inherent safety, high energy density and extended service life. Therefore, new materials for all-solid-state battery applications are researched and developed in this project.
You will produce hybrid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries and characterize them using electrochemical methods and X-ray microtomography. New synthesis pathways are to be established that lead to electrolyte materials with special microstructures and morphologies. In addition, X-ray microtomography is used to understand the deposition/dissolution behavior of Li during electrochemical cycles. Further integrating the fabricated materials into all-solid-state batteries for evaluating and optimization of their electrochemical properties is also intended for demonstrating the research results and the potential for industrial feasibility. Your tasks in detail:

• Literature review on the state-of-art research on hybrid solid electrolyte batteries
• Prepare hybrid solid electrolytes
• Characterization of material properties and their electrochemical properties using CT, SEM–EDAX, XRD, CV, GCPL etc.
• Understand the deposition/dissolution behavior of Li when using the developed hybrid solid electrolyte by using X-ray microtomography
• Presentation of activities and results in internal meetings, international conferences, and scientific publications

Your Profile:

• Excellent masters degree in materials science, physics, engineering, chemistry or other related fields
• Previous experience and knowledge in X-ray microtomography with a plus of knowing electrochemistry or solid-state electrochemistry
• Experience in programing (Matlab/Python) for image/signal processing is necessary
• Strong interest in a practical research environment
• Excellent in cooperation and communication for teamwork
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Excellent in writing and speaking of German and English is mandatory

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Extensive company health management
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.