Empa

PhD student position on redox flow batteries

Dübendorf, Schweiz

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Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.

The research project focuses on the development of electrolytes and electrode materials for next-generation flow batteries. The energy density of such batteries is relatively low and directly linked to active material solubility. Concentrated electrolytes, however, invoke various challenges that prevent practical implementation. In this project we will explore mediated redox reactions to decouple energy density from solubility, by placing solid capacity boosters in the electrolyte tanks.

PhD student position on redox flow batteries

Your tasks
Your task is to identify redox mediators that will be dissolved in the electrolyte, and solid electrode materials that will be deposited in the electrolyte storage tanks. You will develop methods to improve the electrode-electrolyte compatibility via solvent effects and coatings, developing a firm understanding of mediated redox reactions and how experimental parameters and material formulations affect charge transfer at the liquid-solid interface. Solid electrode granules will be manufactured with an extruder, allowing excellent control over composition and morphology. Promising material combinations will be studied in lab-scale flow batteries, benefitting from the extensive characterization capabilities available at Empa.

Your profile
We are looking for a highly self-motivated team player ready to work independently in Empa’s vibrant international research environment. The ideal candidate possesses a master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, or related fields. Prior experience in electrochemistry and battery research is an advantage.

Our offer
Our labs are fully equipped for battery fabrication and characterization. State-of-the-art facilities include synthesis labs with fume hoods, gloveboxes, various synthesis reactors and furnaces, sputtering and evaporation facilities, X-ray diffractometers, UV-Vis, Raman and FTIR spectrometers, surface area and particle size analyzers, electrochemical characterization including impedance spectroscopy, mass spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatographers, thermogravimetric analyzer, various equipment for the physicochemical characterization of electrolytes, etc. Access to advanced electron microscopy and X-ray facilities is also available.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

In your application include your CV, scholar records and certificates, publication list if available, a one-page motivation letter specifying how you intend to contribute to this specific topic, and at least two reference letters. Only complete applications submitted via our job portal will be considered.