Master´s Thesis - Battery Recycling on the Topic of Divalent Recovery (all genders)

What research should always be: sustainable and responsible. For an ecologically intact, economically successful and socially balanced world. Just like at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research IFAM. We conduct research and development in the fields of bonding technology, surfaces, shaping and functional materials. This results in products, technologies and services that ensure the future viability of Germany as an industrial location. Important industries rely on our innovative solutions. When can we count on you?

The Department of Electrical Energy Storage is looking for a student to join the team as soon as possible. The aim of this master’s thesis is to explore an innovative battery recycling approach for the recovery of divalent materials, based on novel electrochemical ion pumping methods. This research seeks to obtain a solution enriched with these materials from wastewater generated by commercial recycling processes.

What you will do

To accomplish this objective, the following tasks will be undertaken:

• Synthesis and study of selective material for divalent cations.
• Material characterization: compositional, physic-chemical, morphological and electrochemical.
• Evaluation of a novel cell design and configuration of the electrochemical approach using the selective materials.
• Evaluation of the performance of an automated system for the recovery of CRM using the novel materials and cell configuration.

This work forms part of a broader project focused on the recovery of divalent metals through the recycling of spent batteries and the treatment of wastewater using established commercial methods. The attainment of high-purity materials is facilitated by an automated test bench. The thesis may be submitted in either German or English, in accordance with the applicable examination regulations.

What you bring to the table

• Enrolled student specialising in chemistry, materials science, production engineering or a comparable degree programme
• Extensive practical experience with laboratory work
• Ideally previous knowledge in the field of electrochemical or battery research
• Personal motivation, strong communication skills, reliability, ability to work in a team and an independent way of working
• Very good knowledge of English

What you can expect

• Collaboration on application-orientated development projects in the field of battery technology
• Innovative environment with modern, technical equipment
• Work in a highly topical, industry-related field of research
• Acquiring interdisciplinary skills as a basis for working with innovative battery technology

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

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!

Please submit your application exclusively via our application portal. Applications submitted by email cannot be considered.

Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM

Requisition Number: 81552