Phd Thesis development and Characterization of Solid-state Polymer Battery Components

As **Austria's largest research and technology organisation** for applied research, we are dedicated to make substantial contributions to solving the major challenges of our time, climate change and digitalisation. To achieve our goals, we rely on our specific research, development and technology competencies, which are the basis of our commitment to excellence in all areas. With our open culture of innovation and our motivated, international teams, we are working to position AIT as Austria's leading research institution at the highest international level and to make a positive contribution to the economy and society. This PhD position, funded through a Horizon Europe project, focuses on the **development of advanced solid-state polymer batteries using novel materials and processing techniques**. The research will cover **polymer processing and extrusion**, **high-voltage cathode design and coating**, **comprehensive material characterization** (both ex-situ and in-operando), **cell assembly**, **designing** **cycling protocol**, and **electrochemical characterization and interpretation of battery cells**. This project will not only deepen your understanding of the fundamental science behind solid-state batteries but also provide hands-on experience with practical approaches to scaling up these technologies in a rapidly evolving field. PHD THESIS "DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLID-STATE POLYMER BATTERY COMPONENTS" CENTER FOR TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES - You will **conduct a comprehensive literature review** to familiarize yourself with **the state-of-the-art and current development of solid-state polymer batteries, with a focus on high-voltage cathodes and lithium metal anode,** and their electrochemical performance. - You will **perform polymer extrusion and carry out material characterization** using in-situ and ex-situ techniques such as XRD, SEM, Raman, BET, XPS, and etc. - You will **investigate the electrochemical performance of the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) coupled with high-voltage cathodes and lithium metal anode** via galvanostatic cycling, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and novel in-operando techniques and etc. - You will gain hands-on experience in **energy storage materials** (slurry formulation and preparation, coating, cell assembly in coin cells and pouch cells, etc.) and **electrochemical characterization techniques.**: - You will **discuss your results** within an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, technicians and students and actively contribute in project meetings. - You will write technical reports **and publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals.**: - You will participate **in national and international workshops and conferences**, where you will present your work. **Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner**: - You have graduated (or you are close to completion) with a MSc Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field - Background in materials science and polymer processing - Basic knowledge of electrochemistry and coating techniques is desired - Genuine interest in designing scientific studies, engaging in in-depth scientific discussions and presenting research finding - High level of commitment, reliability, and team spirit - Excellent command of technical English, both spoken and written **What to expect**: - **Start date**: ideally 01.11.2025 - However there is some flexibility concerning the start-date - EUR 2.625,00 gross per month (14 times / year) for 30 hours/week based on the collective agreement - In addition to additional company benefits. You will be part of our international AIT PhD community and participate in our **AIT PhD framework programme**. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of PhD theses, and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly