PhD position – Optimization of high-performance anode materials for next generation batterie technologies

Your Job:

Future battery technologies are urgently needed to make electromobility and home storage even faster and more powerful. In order to increase battery performance and energy density at cell level, electrode materials are to be specifically optimized for high-performance cells and the proportion of passive components (e.g. current collectors) reduced. These goals can be achieved through new approaches to the production of carbon-based carrier structures (primarily made of graphene oxide) with nanoscale active materials.
For this reason, known materials for negative and positive electrodes based on graphene oxide are to be researched and optimized for combination with liquid or solid electrolytes through targeted modification as part of the doctoral thesis. At the end of the project, efficient active materials for the electrodes with industrial relevance and high-performance cells are to be demonstrated.

The work is part of a Franco-German project on high-performance batteries and also includes a research visit to France.

Your tasks will mainly include the:

• Use of state-of-the-art synthesis processes for the production of graphene oxide-based active materials
  
• Optimization of the process to achieve the highest possible yield and optimized distribution of the dopants
  
• Production of free-standing electrodes and model cells based on various liquid and solid electrolytes and their electrochemical characterization
  
• Optimization of the active materials to achieve the highest possible performance and thus demonstrate industrial relevance
  
• Characterization of the materials, cells and, if necessary, degradation phenomena using advanced analytical methods (including X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS), optical emission spectroscopy (OES), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS))
  

The candidate can thus gain industry-relevant knowledge about the complete manufacturing process of future battery systems - from materials synthesis to characterization - during the doctoral thesis.

Your Profile:

• Successfully completed Master`s degree in the field of materials science, engineering, physics or chemistry or a similar field
  
• Very good knowledge in the field of solid-state chemistry and materials engineering
  
• Experience in preparation / fabrication / manufacturing processes of inorganic materials
  
• Knowledge in the field of electrochemistry is an advantage
  
• Fluency in written and spoken English
  
• A high degree of teamwork and flexibility, as well as a willingness to show a high level of commitment
  

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:

• The work will be carried out in a strong, internationally recognized team in one of the largest and best-equipped research facilities in Europe
  
• You will be part of a consortium of universities and other national and international research institutions funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research
  
• You will have the opportunity to participate in project meetings and conferences and present your results (online and face-to-face events)
  
• You will also be able to develop your personal strengths through our extensive further training program as part of the HITEC graduate school (online and face-to-face events)
  
• Your academic supervisor Dr. Martin Finsterbusch will provide you with continuous professional support
  
• The doctorate will be carried out at the University of Duisburg-Essen with Prof. Dr. Dina Fattakhova-Rohlfing (doctoral supervisor)
  
• Flexible working hours
  
• 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: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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: https://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.