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Synthesis and characterisation of electrospun carbon nanofibres as electrode framework for non-aqueous metal-air batteries
In this project novel carbon fibre based frameworks will be produced and assessed using a variety of analytical techniques. The focus of the project will be the interaction of the electrode with a number of room temperature ionic liquids that have been identified as possible electrolyte systems.
Metal-air batteries are one of the many promising post-lithium ion battery systems. As the focus shifts towards non-aqueous systems using abundant anode materials such as iron and zinc, optimised cathodes have become a bottle neck in harnessing the full potential of the systems.
Deviating from the current state-of-the-art cathode systems comprised of pressed carbon powder with low overall porosity, this project focuses on highly porous non-woven carbon nanofibres with high nitrogen-content as a framework for implementation as cathodes in secondary zinc-air batteries.
This project is part of the larger LuZi (Zinc-air battery) project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aiming at creating viable secondary zinc-air batteries.
Aim of the project is to create carbon-based gas diffusion electrodes that display an adequate mechanical stability, catalytic activity for oxygen oxidation and reduction, and wetting properties that allow for application in metal-air batteries as well as gaining an understanding in the connection of morphological properties with the electrochemical performance.
The student will gain insight into and hands-on experience with the growing field of electrospinning, a versatile production method for non-woven fabrics in a number of research areas, with a focus on non-standard material mixtures resulting in interesting fibre morphologies. Details of the project may be adapted depending on the duration of the project (in accordance with the student’s requirements) and the student’s background and interests.
**University**: RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
**Location**: Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
**Department/Division**: Institute for Fundamental Electrochemistry, IEK-9 (Institute of Energy and Climate Research)
**Duration**: adaptable to the student’s requirements (ideally 3 months or more)
Metal-air batteries are one of the many promising post-lithium ion battery systems. As the focus shifts towards non-aqueous systems using abundant anode materials such as iron and zinc, optimised cathodes have become a bottle neck in harnessing the full potential of the systems.
Deviating from the current state-of-the-art cathode systems comprised of pressed carbon powder with low overall porosity, this project focuses on highly porous non-woven carbon nanofibres with high nitrogen-content as a framework for implementation as cathodes in secondary zinc-air batteries. This project is part of the larger LuZi (Zinc-air battery) project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aiming at creating viable secondary zinc-air batteries.
Aim of the project is to create carbon-based gas diffusion electrodes that display an adequate mechanical stability, catalytic activity for oxygen oxidation and reduction, and wetting properties that allow for application in metal-air batteries as well as gaining an understanding in the connection of morphological properties with the electrochemical performance.
The student will gain insight into and hands-on experience with the growing field of electrospinning, a versatile production method for non-woven fabrics in a number of research areas, with a focus on non-standard material mixtures resulting in interesting fibre morphologies. Details of the project may be adapted depending on the duration of the project (in accordance with the student’s requirements) and the student’s background and interests.
**Department/Division**: Institute for Fundamental Electrochemistry, IEK-9 (Institute of Energy and Climate Research)
**Duration**: adaptable to the student’s requirements (ideally 3 months or more)
In the lab, the student will be trained to operate an electrospinning device to produce non-woven fibre mats, and post-process them into carbon fibre mats. The mats' surface properties as well as their electrochemical performance will be investigated using different electrolyte systems. A number of relevant electrochemical and analytical techniques (e.g. potentiodynamic polarisation, SEM imaging, contact angle measurements, BET surface analysis, Raman spectroscopy) will be applied for assessment of fibre properties.
In the lab, the student will be trained to operate an electrospinning device to produce non-woven fibre mats, and post-process them into carbon fibre mats. The mats' surface properties as well as their electrochemical performance will be investigated using different electrolyte systems. A number of relevant electrochemical and analytical techniques (e.g. potentiodynamic polarisation, SEM imaging, contact angle measurements, BET surface analysis, Raman spectroscopy) will be applied for assessment of fibre properties.
The project is recommended for (but not restricted to) students from the http://idealeague.org universities (including RWTH Aachen University). The successful candidate will have a background relevant to at least one of the following areas:
- (Electro)chemistry
- Materials Science
Knowledge of any of the aforementioned electrochemical and analytical techniques is an advantage, but adequate training will be provided in all cases.
**Contact Person**: Markus Gehring, MSc, m.gehring@fz-juelich.de
Please note, that an enrollment as an exchange student with RWTH Aachen University may be required, even though the actual location of the internship will be the research centre in Jülich ( http://www.fz-juelich.de/ ).
Only students **not** from RWTH Aachen University may be eligible to an IDEA League student grant.
The project is recommended for (but not restricted to) students from the http://idealeague.org universities (including RWTH Aachen University). The successful candidate will have a background relevant to at least one of the following areas:
- (Electro)chemistry
- Materials Science
Knowledge of any of the aforementioned electrochemical and analytical techniques is an advantage, but adequate training will be provided in all cases.
**Contact Person**: Markus Gehring, MSc, m.gehring@fz-juelich.de
Please note, that an enrollment as an exchange student with RWTH Aachen University may be required, even though the actual location of the internship will be the research centre in Jülich ( http://www.fz-juelich.de/ ). Only students **not** from RWTH Aachen University may be eligible to an IDEA League student grant.
Each year the IDEA League offers the students of its partner universities over 180 monthly grants for a short-term research exchange. In general, these grants are awarded based on academic merit. For more information visit http://idealeague.org/student-grant/