PhD Position on Fundamental Aspects of the NaAlCl Battery (SLDBatt Project) University of Twente in Netherlands

This PhD position is part of the SLDBatt project, the largest R&D initiative in the Netherlands focused on battery technology for long-term storage of sustainably generated electricity. The project aims to develop a low-cost, safe, and high energy density battery using sodium chloride and recycled aluminum. As a PhD researcher, you will work closely with Exergy Storage, the battery developer, and a postdoctoral researcher in the CPM research group at the University of Twente.

Your research will probe the molten salt NaAlCl4 electrolyte chemistry, utilizing in situ Raman probe spectroscopy to investigate spatially resolved compositional changes during battery charging and discharging. You will also analyze electrochemical parameters using impedance spectroscopy, evaluate cell and ceramic membrane impedances, and study bi-directional Na+ transport, interfacial phenomena, and performance degradation caused by salt accumulation or aluminum deposition. The experimental data you generate will be leveraged with modeling approaches from the collaborating postdoctoral researcher, aiming to unlock innovations for cell capacities up to 4 kWh and discharge durations of up to 100 hours.

You will join the Photo Catalytic Synthesis (PCS) lab, part of the Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Twente. PCS is a dynamic team of around 30 researchers working to accelerate photocatalytic and electrochemical technology development for the low carbon energy and materials transition. The lab bridges nano-scale material science and photo- and electrocatalysis to industrial-scale systems.

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) at the University of Twente is a people-first tech university, engaging 700 staff and 2000 students in education and research at the forefront of chemical technology, applied physics, and biomedical technology. The faculty collaborates intensively with industrial partners and researchers both nationally and internationally, conducting extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Research is housed in three multidisciplinary UT institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre, and Digital Society Institute.

Applicants should have a MSc degree in a relevant field such as chemical engineering, materials science, or physics. Application materials include a cover letter, detailed CV with references, and a summary of MSc research. The selection process involves interviews and a scientific presentation. The position is fully funded as part of the SLDBatt project, with support for research activities and collaboration with industry partners. For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Guido Mul at [email protected]. Applications must be submitted via the online portal and not by email or LinkedIn.