Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, is offering two 6-month Master’s thesis opportunities in the Materials Science, Energy & Nano-engineering (MSN) Department, starting February 1, 2025. These positions focus on innovative research in sustainable energy and battery recycling, providing hands-on laboratory experience, advanced materials characterization, and the development of cutting-edge recycling processes.

Project 1: Direct Regeneration of Degraded Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes Using a Green and Sustainable Approach
This project aims to develop environmentally friendly methods for regenerating degraded lithium-ion battery cathodes. Students will work on restoring the structure, surface, and electrochemical performance of used cathode materials, enabling their reuse in high-performance batteries. The research combines materials chemistry, green processing, and electrochemical evaluation, offering a unique opportunity to explore sustainable rejuvenation of critical battery materials.

Project 2: Upcycling of Spent Battery Cathodes for Direct Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries
This project focuses on the sustainable recovery and upcycling of spent lithium-ion battery cathodes. The goal is to develop practical and environmentally responsible processes that restore degraded materials without full chemical breakdown, supporting circular economy approaches and reducing waste in battery manufacturing.

Both projects are supervised by Professors Amina Amarray and Mouad Dahbi at the MSN Department. The research environment is dynamic, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team. Students will conduct literature reviews, develop and optimize laboratory-scale protocols, perform materials characterization (using XRD, SEM/TEM, ICP-OES/XRF, TGA/DSC), and carry out electrochemical tests to evaluate improvements in battery materials.

Eligibility: Applicants must be Master’s students in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related fields. Required skills include a solid background in inorganic/solid-state chemistry, environmental chemistry, and wet-chemistry laboratory practices. Experience with battery materials or cathode regeneration is a plus. Good communication skills in English and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team are essential.

Application: Interested candidates should review the detailed project descriptions at the provided links and contact the MSN Department at UM6P for further instructions. The positions are open until filled, with a start date of February 1, 2025. No explicit funding information is provided in the announcement.

These opportunities are ideal for students passionate about sustainable energy, materials science, and innovative recycling technologies, and who wish to contribute to the future of energy storage and sustainable battery technologies in Africa and beyond.