Electrolytes for cerium-titanium redox flow batteries KU Leuven in Canada

PhD opportunity at KU Leuven in the SOLVOMET group within the Department of Chemistry.

This project focuses on the development of new electrolytes for cerium-titanium redox flow batteries (RFBs), a promising next-generation technology for large-scale energy storage. The work is motivated by the need for cost-effective, scalable storage solutions to support renewable electricity and CO2-neutral grids. Compared with vanadium systems, cerium and titanium offer advantages in abundance, toxicity, and cost.

The PhD student will investigate mixed-acid electrolytes based on methanesulphonic acid and other inorganic acids, targeting stable solutions with high metal concentrations, improved solubility, faster redox kinetics, and higher cell potentials. The project includes both experimental and modelling components, with flexibility to emphasize either side depending on the student’s interests and skills.

Research methods include solubility studies as a function of acid concentration and temperature, analysis of mixed-anion effects, and identification of metal species using UV-VIS spectroscopy, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, heteronuclear NMR (including 17O and 49Ti), ESI-MS, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and XAFS at synchrotron facilities. Electrochemical characterization will involve cyclic voltammetry, rotating disk electrode experiments, spectroelectrochemistry, and chronoamperometry, alongside thermodynamic modelling in the Mixed Solvent Electrolyte framework.

The position is hosted by SOLVOMET, a laboratory of metallurgical chemistry led by Prof. Koen Binnemans. The group is internationally active in metallurgical chemistry, solvent extraction, and circular hydrometallurgical processes, and also applies this expertise to battery electrolyte development.

The position is fully funded for 4 years and includes access to advanced laboratory infrastructure, modelling tools, opportunities to present at international conferences, and participation in the Arenberg Doctoral School training programme. The project is part of the Flemish research project REBBID.

Eligibility highlights: Master’s degree in Chemistry or Materials Science, strong interest in electrochemistry and sustainable technologies, good English communication skills, and willingness to engage in both hands-on experiments and modelling.

Application deadline: 2026-08-16. Apply via the KU Leuven job portal. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Koen Binnemans at [email protected].