PhD on material processing for sustainable batteries

Are you a curious person, eager to learn and with a strong interest in science? Are you fascinated by the link between material microstructure and their macroscopic behavior? Are you eager to apply this knowledge to help advance sustainable energy technologies?

Information
There is an urgent need for high-performance batteries that offer improved safety, greater energy density, longer cycle life, and faster charging. However, conventional lithium-ion batteries rely on critical raw materials such as cobalt and nickel, use toxic solvents like NMP, and involve energy-intensive manufacturing steps. To make batteries more sustainable and scalable, the field is increasingly moving toward solid-state batteries and solvent-free electrode processing. At the same time, alternative binder materials that enable recyclability and avoid the use of PTFE are being investigated, though their processing and integration remain challenging.

This PhD project is part of a national, multidisciplinary research consortium aimed at developing the next generation of sustainable batteries (Sustainable Materials & Advanced Technologies for Circular Batteries - SMART C-BAT) which brings together leading Dutch universities, research institutes, and industry partners to accelerate the transition to circular, high-performance battery technologies.

In this PhD project, and in close collaboration with partners such as LionVolt and TNO, the overarching goal is to optimize both (i) electrode and (ii) electrolyte fabrication processes. The PhD candidate will focus on investigating structure-property relationships under relevant processing conditions to better understand the parameters that govern processability of these materials. By using state-of-the-art equipment to characterize the flow properties (rheology) of both slurries and dry powders, we will examine the processability of various formulations and analyze their impact on both the final cathode and electrolyte properties. This fundamental insight will help develop more scalable, manufacturable routes for future battery production.

You will be part of the Processing and Performance of Materials Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which combines experimental and computational expertise in both fundamental science and applied research. The group aims at bridging the gap between sophisticated experimental techniques, rheological models and reliable and feasible predictive modeling in soft matter, in applications ranging from polymer processing to food industry. Here you will have the possibility to co-supervise BSc and MSc students in their thesis projects and to collaborate with fellow PhD students and postdocs in the group, as well as other groups in the department. In the context of the project, you will also work closely with collaborators from different industrial partners (Lionvolt, TNO, and others).

We are looking for motivated candidates holding a MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related for this position. The ideal candidate has experience in experimental research and enjoys working on interdisciplinary challenges at the interface of materials processing and physical chemistry. A strong background and interest in the field of fluid mechanics and rheology is highly desired. Experience with materials chemistry, battery electrode/electrolyte formulation, or prior work with processing equipment (e.g. extruders or calenders) is a plus. The candidate also has great team working skills and interest in collaborating with both academic and industrial partners. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.