Master's Thesis in Advanced high-capacity anode development and validation for next-generation lithium batteries

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FBK is a private research institution based in Trento (Italy), operating in different scientific fields and disciplines. As such, it keeps the Autonomous Province of Trento within the mainstream of international research. FBK comprises 12 research centers with activities and production available at http://www.fbk.eu/research-centers.

Workplace

The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) supports the development of devices and methods for generation, storage, and distribution of energy solutions at low environmental impact. This will be done in the perspective of energy sustainability, of systems and solutions that respect the environment and the quality of life, of solutions with a lower impact on health and on environmental pollution levels. The ground for the Centre on “Sustainable Energy” is based on the Decarbonization targets, which will demand for more flexibility of the energy system, through new gas and power grids and using energy vectors and storage solutions, as enablers for the wide penetration of renewables.
The Battery and Electrification Technologies (BET) unit targets the development and optimal use of battery technologies in both mobility and stationary applications. BET focuses on current and upcoming battery and storage technologies (e.g., LIBs, SSBs, RFBs, HESS) working on a wide range of topics from material development and characterisation to demonstration activities in relevant environment, including of course modelling and optimal management.

Thesis description

The BET unit is seeking a motivated MSc student interested in the development and validation of high-capacity silicon-based anode electrodes using advanced thin-layer deposition techniques to enhance the performance of next-generation lithium batteries. Silicon offers a massive theoretical capacity compared to conventional graphite, presenting an ideal pathway to high-energy-density cells. However, its practical application is hindered by severe volumetric changes during lithiation/delithiation, leading to mechanical pulverisation and continuous SEI degradation.

This project leverages thin-layer deposition techniques to engineer precisely controlled silicon architectures. The thesis combines deposition parameter optimisation, structural/morphological engineering, slurry optimization and physicochemical/electrochemical characterisation of the thin-film anodes by assembling lab-scale cell prototypes to achieve high areal capacity, superior cycling stability, and structural integrity.

Ideal candidate requisites
 
  • MSc student in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics and Chemical Engineering;
  • Basic knowledge of standard characterization techniques (e.g. XRD, TGA, SEM, XPS);
  • Ability to analyze experimental data (e.g., Python, Origin, Excel);
  • Ability to summarize scientific results with presentations;
  • Good communication and relational skills;
  • Skills in problem solving;
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment with good autonomy.
 
Start date: TBD
Duration: At least 6 months
Workplace: Povo and Rovereto
Benefits: Free canteen
 
Recruitment Type
Standard
Business Unit
Centro Sustainable Energy
Locations
Science and Technology Hub - Trento