PhD Position Development of Sustainable Cathode and Anode Materials for Sodium ion Batteries

Do you want to be part of the energy transition and help develop next generation sustainable energy storage systems? Then this could be what you are looking for!

Job description

TU Delft is seeking highly motivated doctoral candidates with a strong passion for battery science and a desire to contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage systems. The positions are part of the NANEXBAT project, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), which aims to explore materials innovations for next-generation sodium-ion batteries.

The overarching goal of the project is to combine experimental and computational studies to elucidate structure-property relationships in promising sodium-ion battery materials and their mutual interactions under operating conditions. This research is complemented by analyses of sustainability, material availability, and techno-economic aspects.

Topic 1

This PhD project focuses on the development of new and durable cathode materials for next-generation sodium-ion battery technology. The project aims to identify high-performance cathode materials with high capacity, high reversibility, and long cycle life, based on non-critical, low-cost, and abundant raw materials.

The research will focus on experimentally guided dopant strategies to achieve the challenging combination of high capacity, fast cycling, and long cycle life. Experimental work, including synthesis, electrochemical testing, solid-state NMR, and operando X-ray absorption and diffraction, will provide fundamental insight into the relation between material composition, structure, redox and phase behaviour, ionic conductivity, and battery performance. Surface and interface-related challenges, including air and moisture sensitivity, electrolyte reactivity, interface resistance, phase transformation, and poor electrical conductivity, will also be addressed.

Topic 2

This PhD project focuses on the development of sustainable hard carbon anodes and PFAS-free liquid electrolytes for next-generation sodium-ion battery technology. The project will address key challenges associated with hard carbon, including low initial Coulombic efficiency, poor rate capability, limited cycling stability, and interfacial instability with electrolytes.

The research will focus on understanding structure–property relationships in hard carbon, with particular emphasis on microstructure, surface chemistry, and solid electrolyte interphase formation. In parallel, sustainable multi-salt electrolyte formulations will be developed and optimized for compatibility with hard carbon anodes, with the aim of enabling safe operation, fast charging, and long cycle life.

We offer the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment where fundamental research is closely linked to application. You will interact with leading experts in materials science, electrochemistry, and battery technology, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy storage.

Job requirements

• Master’s degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Affinity for energy storage, with an interest in materials development and electrochemical systems, is desirable
• You enjoy working in a team and bring excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• English proficiency is required

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem, focusing on key enabling technologies such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion. Research spans Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.