PhD Position on All-Solid-State Batteries

Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy technologies. The aim of this PhD project is to investigate lithium- and sodium-based solid-state batteries using muon-based bulk and interface characterization techniques, with the main objective to gain a mechanistic understanding of electrochemical performance.

• Investigate lithium- and sodium-based solid-state batteries using muon-based bulk and interface characterization techniques.
• Focus on ion distribution, transport, and degradation processes during battery operation.
• Address key questions such as the formation of Li/Na concentration gradients during charge and discharge, evolution of interphases, and degradation mechanisms including ageing, material dissolution (leaching), and transition-metal migration.
• Use muon-based methods to probe depth-resolved properties that are difficult to access with conventional techniques.
• Conduct electrochemical and structural characterization of battery materials and cells, combined with muon-based experiments.
• Design and carry out experiments to identify reaction pathways and degradation mechanisms.
• Analyze complex datasets to connect microscopic processes with macroscopic performance.
• Collaborate closely with project partners to support the development and testing of materials and cell concepts.
• Independently conduct experiments, including muon beamline studies.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Disseminate results through publications and presentations.