Master's Thesis in High-voltage solid-state electrolyte development and interfacial validation for next-generation batteries

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 synthesis, optimization, and validation of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) engineered to withstand high-voltage operation (>4.5 V vs. Li/Li⁺) in next-generation lithium batteries. While solid-state batteries promise unmatched safety and energy density, matching them with high-voltage cathodes introduces severe challenges, including narrow electrochemical stability windows, severe interfacial side reactions, and high interfacial impedance.

This project focuses on the development of advanced solid-state electrolyte systems and the engineering of stable electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The thesis combines electrolyte material synthesis/formulation, ionic conductivity optimization, and advanced electrochemical/interfacial characterization (e.g., evaluating critical current density and voltage hold limits) by assembling and testing lab-scale solid-state cell prototypes.

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