PhD Position – Synthesis and up-scaling of high-performance active materials for Na solid-state batteries

Your Job:

Future battery technologies are urgently needed to make electromobility and home storage even cheaper, safer and more powerful. Solid-state batteries based on oxide-ceramic Na-ion conductors (electrolyte) are the most promising approach to significantly improve safety and performance. Compared to Li-based systems, Na has clear advantages in terms of cost and sustainability.
However, the electrode active materials, especially for the positive electrode (cathode), still need to be further developed in order to achieve similar performance to current Li-based active materials. Therefore, known materials will be optimized and new materials will be investigated based on theoretical predictions. At the end of the project, the industrially scalable production of a high-performance active material for Na solid-state batteries will 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, industrially established (continuous) synthesis for the production of Na-based cathode active materials
  
• Optimization of the process to achieve the highest possible yield and optimized particle morphology
  
• Production of model cells based on various solid electrolytes (polymer, ceramic, hybrid) and their electrochemical characterization
  
• Optimization of the materials to achieve the highest possible performance in the different cell designs and thus demonstrate the 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
  
• 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 is carried out in a strong, internationally recognized team in one of the largest and best-equipped research facilities in Europe
  
• You will participate in a consortium of universities and other national and international research institutions funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
  
• You will have the opportunity to participate in project meetings and conferences and to present your results (online and face-to-face events)
  
• You can further develop your personal strengths through our extensive training program within the HITEC Graduate School (online and face-to-face events).
  
• Your continuous professional supervision will be taken over by your scientific supervisor Dr. Martin Finsterbusch.
  
• The doctorate is being carried out at the University of Duisburg-Essen under Prof. Dr. Dina Fattakhova-Rohlfing (doctoral supervisor)
  
• 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 at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Attractive 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.