Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. The research project centers on developing solid electrode composites, known as boosters, for next-generation redox-targeted flow batteries. These systems use soluble redox mediators in the electrolyte to exchange charge with solid booster materials in storage tanks, decoupling energy density from active-material solubility while maintaining the modularity and safety of aqueous flow batteries. The position is part of the Horizon Europe project FLOWBOOST, an international consortium advancing the technology from the laboratory toward a kW-scale prototype, with close collaboration with academic and industrial partners across Europe.
Tasks
- Develop solid booster formulations with PFAS-free binders, aligning with the sustainability goals of the project.
- Explore compositions and pellet morphologies to optimize mass transport and reactivity with the mediator solution while maintaining mechanical stability.
- Characterize the thermal and chemical stability of components and formulations.
- Apply in-situ diagnostics, particularly in-flow UV-Vis, to quantify mediator-booster reactivity and component dissolution during operation.
- Develop an understanding of how material formulation and experimental parameters govern charge transfer at the liquid-solid interface.
- Prototype booster-bed reactors from mL to L scale by 3D printing and support the transfer of promising formulations toward scalable, solvent-free processing.
- Validate material combinations in lab-scale flow batteries, utilizing Empa's characterization capabilities.
Requirements
- Self-motivated team player ready to work independently in Empa's international research environment.
- PhD in materials science, chemistry, or related fields, with a strong publication record.
- Prior experience in flow-cell electrochemistry, in-situ spectroscopy (UV-Vis, Raman, FTIR), or 3D printing and polymer processing is desired.
- Good spoken and written English is required.
- Basic German is an advantage.
Benefits
- Fully equipped labs for battery fabrication and characterization.
- State-of-the-art facilities including synthesis labs with fume hoods, gloveboxes, various synthesis reactors and furnaces, several lab-scale flow battery test stands, 3D printers for rapid reactor prototyping, and equipment for electrode and composite fabrication.
- Analytical facilities include X-ray diffractometers, UV-Vis (including in-flow configurations), Raman and FTIR spectrometers, surface area and particle size analyzers, electrochemical characterization including impedance spectroscopy, mass spectrometers, gas and liquid chromatographers, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis (ICP-OES), and a broad suite of tools for physicochemical characterization.
- Access to advanced electron microscopy and X-ray facilities.
- Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities.
- Creating added value for society.
- International, multicultural working environment.
- Freedom to create and develop.
- Culture of inclusion and respect.
- Excellent balance between different areas of life.
- Multiple award-winning and certified employer.
- Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
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Über uns
Das Team
The position is embedded in Empa's Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion and offers collaboration within the international Horizon Europe project FLOWBOOST, working closely with academic and industrial partners across Europe.