Thesis – Development and investigation of battery cells on the basis of novel active materials

Motivation
The amount of fluctuating renewable energies in electrical networks is increasing worldwide, and with it the demand for inexpensive ways of storing energy. One variant is electrochemical storage systems such as stationary batteries to provide decentralized energy surpluses. Today’s available systems are mainly lead/acid, lithium-ion, sodium-sulfur and redox flow batteries. Each of these technologies has its specific advantages and disadvantages which affect the storage costs. To reduce costs, therefore, in addition to optimizing existing technologies, new types of batteries can be investigated and developed that have the potential for future inexpensive and safe energy storage.

Task definition
In close cooperation with the University of New South Wales / Sydney, battery cells based on novel active materials will be constructed and their electrochemical properties will be investigated. Based on the results obtained, it is planned to optimize the chemical composition of active materials, electrolyte and cell with regard to power and energy density as well as service life and to develop a prototype.

Requirements and general conditions
Degree program chemistry, physics, chemical or physical engineering or comparable.

Start
Immediately

Location
Fraunhofer ICT – Pfinztal/Germany

Remarks
For further information please contact Adj. Assoc. Prof. (UNSW) Jens Noack (Tel.: +49 (721) 4640870. E-mail: Jens.Noack@ict.fraunhofer.de) or Prof. Dr. Karsten Pinkwart (Tel.: +49 (721) 4640322. E-mail: Karsten.Pinkwart@ict.fraunhofer.de)