PhD Position – 3D ion beam tomography of -generation batteries

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.

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.

• 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…