PhD Position: Microwave electrode carbonization and surface functionalisation (Pfinztal, DE, 76327) en Fraunhofer ICT (Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology)

The advertized subproject is fully funded by the 
Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Network “SPACER“. It will be carried out by one doctoral candidate at Fraunhofer ICT, (PhD supervision at Universitaet Innsbruck in Austria) over a period of 36 months. 
 
The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT, located in Pfinztal near Karlsruhe, is one of approximately 75 Fraunhofer institutes in Germany. Its Department of Polymer Engineering focuses on research related to microwave heating and plasma technologies for industrial processes. The microwave and plasma group has over 30 years of experience in high-temperature microwave processes for e.g. carbonization and graphitization of polymer materials. In the field of plasma, the group has developed plasma sources and processes for surface modification and plasma-assisted synthesis. The investigations and developments span from laboratory scale to demonstrator scale. 
 
The goal of the doctoral thesis is to develop efficient energy processes for carbonization and graphitization of electrodes with microwaves and the comparison with conventional processes. Plasma processes will be investigated to activate and modify the surface of the electrodes, which enhances battery performance based on process gases and other carbonization parameters.

The recruited researcher will investigate the influence of microwave field modes and process parameters (such as time, microwave power, and frequency) on the degree and structure of carbonization and graphitization of the electrodes, aiming to reduce battery costs through process optimization. Additionally, the effects of various microwave plasma sources and processes on the surface of the carbonized electrodes will be examined. The developed procedures will be scaled up to test the modified materials in laboratory cells, specifically battery prototypes. 

What you will do

• Multiscale modelling to better understand RFB behavior and identify optimal hierarchical shaped pore- and electrode-structure to encounter optimum electrolyte as well as electrical flow. 
• Prototyping of the identified structures via stereolithographic, 3D printing and textile techniques like tufting, machine-based embroidery techniques or non-interlaced 3D pre-forming.
• Development of advanced imaging and characterization technologies (X-ray micro tomography, EPR imaging and spectroscopy) to evaluate performance of electrodes and to map electrolyte chemical composition in micrometer resolution, allowing validation of the model predictions.  
• Validation and evaluation of the RFBs with optimized hierarchical electrodes. 

What you bring to the table

• Very good master´s degree in physics, material science, electrical engineering or a related discipline  
• In accordance with the European Union’s funding rules for doctoral networks, applicants must NOT yet have a PhD
• Familiarity with instrumental techniques in microwave and plasma, surface characterization, structural analysis or physics (microwave technology is an advantage)
• Experience and interest in working in a physical/chemical laboratory, in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative project
• Willingness to cooperate with project partners, who perform modelling and data management, to report results in conferences and project meetings.
• Self-motivation, well-structured working style as well as ability to contribute effectively to the team.  
• Fluency in English (German is beneficial) 

What you can expect

• Opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 17 doctoral candidates, based at universities and industrial firms throughout Europe
• Supported by two mentors within the SPACER project
• Multiple opportunities to participate in professional and personal development training
• Gain a unique skill set at the interface of modeling and prototyping of electrode materials, characterization of electrodes using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques, from micro- to macro-scale
• Expected to complete the project with a PhD thesis
• Disseminate results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at international conferences
• Flexible working hours thanks to a flextime agreement
• Options for mobile/remote working
• 39 working hours per week and 30 vacation days per year
• On-campus parking, canteen, and library
• … and much more!

The working conditions follow the standards set by the EU Research Framework Programme Horizon Europe – MSCA, as outlined on the official European Commission website:

PhD Position: Nano and micro structuring of carbon electrode surface. | EURAXESS

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
 

Contact:

Annabelle Maletzko

Email: [email protected]

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT 

www.ict.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 81195                Application Deadline: 09/30/2025