In an effort to realize ‘Carbon neutrality’ advanced battery technologies are being developed and explored in all Europe. TNO at Holst Centre works with a range of thin-film technologies that have very interesting potential in the fast-growing domain of Energy Storage. Devices that are being developed at TNO at Holst Centre include next-generation batteries aimed at being intrinsically safe, having higher capacity and faster charging with respect to the state-of-the-art. In this respect, metal-air and/or metal-oxygen batteries have large energy densities (e.g. 3500 Wh/kg) and are candidates for the next generation energy storage devices.
This project is divided into two parallel tracks which respectively aim at:
building a suitable characterization setup together with our technical experts and benchmark the performance of metal-oxygen batteries
employing state-of-the-art deposition technologies for improving the performance of the same batteries
Project description
Track 1. The aim is to setup the proper characterization tool and assemble batteries to be measured and tested. In this part of the project, you will acquire knowledge and hands-on experience on battery fabrication, testing and electrochemistry underpinning the working principle.
Track 2. The aim is to develop novel (spatial) ALD processes for depositing catalyst materials on porous carbon layers and thus enhance the battery performance. In this part of the project, you will acquire knowledge and hands-on experience on thin-film deposition processes and battery fabrication and testing, besides knowledge on thin-film metrology techniques such as Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy.
Your Background
You are an ambitious master student with both scientific and practical skills looking for an internship of 6-9 months. You have an electro-chemistry or applied physics background, with knowledge in characterizing batteries for track (1) and in thin-film deposition for track (2). You are pro-active, independent and a good team player. Good communication skills in English are expected.
Your Tasks (Track 1)
Literature research on metal-air and metal-oxygen batteries and
Perform battery testing and characterization measurements
Discuss and present the results
Participate in group meetings, provide feed-back, discuss results, and propose solutions to various challenging aspects
Write technical internship report
Prepare final presentation
Your Tasks (Track 2)
Literature research on metal-air and metal-oxygen batteries with focus on functional coatings
Perform atomic layer deposition experiments for enhancing the battery performance
Discuss and present the results
Participate in group meetings, provide feed-back, discuss results, and propose solutions to various challenging aspects
Write technical internship report
Prepare final presentation
What can you expect of your work situation?
TNO is an independent research organization whose expertise and research make an important contribution to the competitiveness of companies and organizations, to the economy and to the quality of society as a whole. Innovation with purpose is what TNO stands for. With 3000 people we develop knowledge not for its own sake but for practical application. To create new products that make life more pleasant and valuable and help companies innovate. To find creative answers to the questions posed by society. We work for a variety of customers: governments, the SME sector, large companies, service providers and non-governmental organizations. Working together on new knowledge, better products and clear recommendations for policy and processes. In everything we do, impact is the key. Our product and process innovations and recommendations are only worth something if our customers can use them to boost their competitiveness.
What can TNO offer you?
You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It is not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That is why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation (~500 €/month).
Has this vacancy sparked your interest?
Then please feel free to apply to this vacancy! For further questions do not hesitate to contact us.
For all inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Ulas Kudu ulas.kudu@tno.nl
Dr. Alfredo Mameli alfredo.mameli@tno.nl
References:
J. Kang et al., ACS Nano 2020, 14, 11, 14549–14578
Y. Chen et al., Science Bulletin 2022, 67,2449-2486