PhD Position – 3D ion beam tomography of next-generation batteries
At the Institute of Materials and Devices - Materials Synthesis and Manufacturing Processes (IMD-2), we work in a dynamic and international team of over one hundred materials scientists, chemists, physicists, mechanical engineers and technical staff on the development of advanced energy converters and high-performance storage systems for the energy transition. In doing so, we encompass a wide range of technologies, from oxide ceramic fuel cells to solid-state batteries, thermal barrier coatings for gas turbines, and gas separation membranes. The focus of all these technologies is on inorganic materials, which are processed as functional layers from powders or via the gas phase. For this purpose, we use scalable, industry-relevant processes that ensure rapid transfer of our research results to industry. Thus, our work contributes significantly to closing the gap between basic science and application.
Future battery technologies are urgently needed to make electric mobility and stationary energy storage even more affordable, safer and more efficient.
Si-rich anodes are already being used in high-energy batteries and can significantly increase energy density. However, due to the high volumetric expansion of Si during charging, such cells exhibit severe cycle ageing. To improve cycle stability, research into pre-lithiation of Si-rich anodes is already being conducted on an industrial scale. However, many research questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the distribution of Li within the anode as a function of process parameters and anode design. However, due to its low atomic number, Li cannot be detected with spatial resolution in electrodes using conventional methods.
Ion beam analysis (IBA) offers a new method for quantifying Li with spatial resolution; in this technique, high-energy ions (> 2 MeV) are fired at the battery samples, triggering a nuclear fusion reaction. The resulting ions enable depth-resolved quantification of Li and other components of the anode, e.g. Si, O, F, C, etc. This information provides valuable insights into the quality and stability of the process control. By combining this with two-dimensional scanning of the ion beam across the samples, 3D atomic distributions can also be visualised, thereby revealing potential inhomogeneities both laterally and within the depth of the electrode. The aim is to use this advanced analytical technique to optimise the production of pre-lithiated anodes for future batteries.
Your Job
The PhD research is being carried out as part of a BMFTR consortium project on high-performance batteries, with academic and industrial partners working together on the project.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Carrying out independent measurements using the world’s first 3D Li tomography facility on battery samples (the battery beamline at the 3 MeV Tandetron ion accelerator at FZJ)
- Optimising the measurement process to achieve the highest possible sensitivity, resolution and reproducibility
- Measurement of various materials and battery components supplied by the project partners
- Analysis of the results using specially developed, AI-based software that enables 3D reconstructions of element distribution
- Complementary analysis using other advanced techniques such as SIMS, Raman, FIB-SEM, µ-CT, etc.
- Compilation of the results and assessment of the influence of process parameters on Li distribution in various next-generation anode concepts
During their PhD, the candidate will thus be able to gain knowledge of advanced analytical methods for future battery systems, as well as demonstrate their industry-relevant application for process optimisation.
Your Profile
- A successfully completed Master’s degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry or Materials Analysis
- Very good knowledge of solid-state analysis or related analytical methods
- Experience in the preparation, manufacture and production processes of inorganic materials
- Knowledge of electrochemistry and/or batteries would be an advantage
- Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR)
- A high degree of teamwork and flexibility, as well as a willingness to show great commitment
Our Benefits for You
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 support you in your work with:
- Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
- Networking & Exchange: You will be part of a consortium comprising industry, universities and other national research institutions, funded by the BMFTR
- Supervision & Support: Your academic supervisor, Dr Martin Finsterbusch, will provide you with ongoing academic guidance. The PhD will be carried out at the University of Duisburg-Essen under the supervision of Prof. Dr Dina Fattakhova-Rohlfing (supervising professor)
- Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
- Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS). You can also further develop your personal strengths through our extensive range of training opportunities within the HITEC Graduate School (online and face-to-face events)
- Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
- Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
- Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
- Fixed-term: The position is limited to 3 years
- Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
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.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Index number: 2026D-0594
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