MASTER THESIS "TAILORING QUASI-SOLID-STATE ELECTROLYTES FOR ENHANCED ELECTROCHEMISTRY..."

As Austria's largest research and technology organization for applied research, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) aims to make significant contributions to addressing the major challenges of our time, such as climate change and digitalization. 

The Center for Transport Technologies offers a master’s thesis opportunity within the Competence Unit for Battery Technologies (located in Vienna), specifically in the research area of solid-state batteries. This field focuses on a highly promising technology. Unlike conventional batteries, solid-state batteries do not contain flammable liquid electrolytes, making them safer and more durable. Advanced manufacturing methods for solid-state batteries are currently being developed in AIT's new solid-state battery lab. 

This master’s thesis is part of the M-ERA.net 2023 Project 3Interfaces, funded by the FFG, and centers around optimizing interfaces in quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries. As society demands safer and more efficient energy storage solutions to replace gasoline, lithium metal emerges as a promising material for next-generation batteries, offering about 30% higher energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries. However, its instability with liquid electrolytes poses safety risks, making it necessary to develop new solid or quasi-solid electrolytes that ensure stable, highly conductive interfaces and prevent lithium loss, thereby improving battery performance and lifespan.

MASTER THESIS "TAILORING QUASI-SOLID-STATE ELECTROLYTES FOR ENHANCED ELECTROCHEMISTRY IN LI-METAL BATTERIES"

CENTER FOR TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES

• You will conduct a literature review and explore the state of the art in quasi-solid-state electrolytes and ionic liquids for lithium metal batteries.
• You will fabricate a series of quasi-solid-state electrolytes and characterize their key physicochemical and electrochemical properties.
• You will collaborate with your interdisciplinary team to develop an evaluation concept and support the establishment of a baseline for quasi-solid-state electrolytes to aid in prototype battery development.
• You will discuss your results with your team and supervisor – Like this you will learn how to analyze and evaluate results.
• Your will prepare and present your findings as a scientific work, which will form the basis of your master’s thesis, which can be submitted to your university after approval from your academic supervisor.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• An ongoing master’s degree in chemistry, electrochemistry, or materials science
• Strong knowledge in chemistry, electrochemistry, materials science, or related fields
• Interest in designing scientific studies
• Enthusiasm for application-oriented research
• High commitment and teamwork skills
• Excellent command of English both written and spoken; German language skills are an advantage

What to expect:

• Duration of the master’s thesis: 6 months
• Start date: beginning of May 2025, with some flexibility regarding the start date.
• EUR 1.200,-- gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement.
• In addition to our company benefits, you will have the opportunity to join organised events at AIT, exchange ideas with colleagues from various research fields, and build your professional network.

At AIT diversity and inclusion are of great importance. This is why we strive to inspire women to join our teams in the field of technology. We welcome applications from women, who will be given preference in case of equal qualifications after taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances of all applications. 

Please submit your application documents including your:

• CV, cover letter (please include this reference no. 3INT-M02 in your letter of motivation)
• Transcript of records
• Proof of registration at a Master’s Studies Programme at the university / university of applied sciences
• Contact information of your intended academic master’s thesis supervisor in previous agreement

Interested in this position? Please apply online.

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology

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