Internship in the field of the Development of hybrid and composite solid electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries

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The Centre for Sustainable Energy supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. Within the Centre SE, the Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) Research Unit aims at developing and innovating technologies at the core of our electrification and decarbonization efforts such as battery technologies and energy management systems, also studying optimal solutions to integrate RES and energy storage in power grids, mobility applications and industries.

Planned activities
The BET Research Unit of the Sustainable Center is looking for a master student/recent graduate interested in pursuing a thesis/internship experience in the field of development of solid electrolytes (SE) for Solid-State Batteries. The ideal candidate is a proactive and dynamic young person with good organizational and interpersonal skills, with a propensity for teamwork, motivated to undertake training experience in an international context.

The intern, working alongside the Research Unit staff, will mainly contribute to the development of the following activities:
 
  • Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of SE (i.e. hybrid and/or composite electrolyte).
  • Electrochemical characterization of SE through the determination of ionic conductivity, lithium-ion transport number, lithium plating/stripping tests in stainless steel and metallic lithium asymmetric/symmetric cells. Electrochemical stability window determination.
  • Supporting the determination of chemical composition, morphology and structural properties of the SE using X-photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
  • Validation of Solid electrolyte in coin cell configuration by using typical battery tests (i.e. long cycling, rate capability, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy).
The opportunity to join the team in other active and developing projects during the internship period and to gain experience in a dynamic and challenging environment such as FBK will also be offered.

Requirements
 
  • Possession of master's degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical or materials engineering.
  • Knowledge of major subjects related to chemistry/materials science.
  • Basic knowledge of electrochemistry.
  • Practical experience in chemical laboratory activities
  • Fluent knowledge of written and spoken Italian and English (min. level B2)
  • Relational and teamwork skills
  • Good adaptability, flexibility and initiative skills
  • Computer skills in the use of analysis of data (Origin, Excel, python, etc.).

Internship information

Indicative start date: May 2024
Duration: 6 months minimum

The internship experience will take place at FBK’s Science and Technology Cluster at the Povo location (via Sommarive 18, 38123, Trento).
We offer support in finding accommodation at affiliated facilities, in the case of off-site candidates.
We offer the possibility to use the internal canteen service.
Possible recognition of participation allowance

How to Apply
All interested parties are asked to fill out the online form by clicking on "Apply Online" in the "Internship opportunities" section, attaching the following documents in .pdf format:
  • curriculum vitae
  • motivational letter

For any details about the internship activity, please contact: schauque@fbk.eu

For any further information, please contact the Human Resources Department at: jobs@fbk.eu
 
Recruitment Type
Standard
Business Unit
Centro Sustainable Energy
Locations
Science and Technology Hub - Trento