Postdoc position on redox-targeted flow batteries

Empas Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.

The research project focuses on the development of solid electrode composites so-called boosters for next-generation redox-targeted flow these systems soluble redox mediators dissolved in the electrolyte exchange charge with solid booster materials held in the storage tanks decoupling energy density from active-material solubility while preserving the modularity and safety of aqueous flow batteries. The performance of such batteries hinges on the solid booster formulation morphology and the efficiency of charge transfer between mediator and solid under continuous flow.

Your task is to develop solid booster formulations with PFAS-free binders in line with the sustainability goals of the project. You will explore compositions and pellet morphologies to optimize mass transport and reactivity with the mediator solution while maintaining mechanical stability and characterize the thermal and chemical stability of components and formulations. You will apply in-situ diagnostics in particular in-flow UV-Vis to quantify mediator-booster reactivity and component dissolution during operation developing a firm understanding of how material formulation and experimental parameters govern charge transfer at the liquid-solid interface. To connect materials to devices you will prototype booster-bed reactors from mL to L scale by 3D printing and support the transfer of promising formulations toward scalable solvent-free processing. Material combinations will be validated in lab-scale flow batteries benefiting from the characterization capabilities available at Empa.

The position is embedded in the Horizon Europe project FLOWBOOST an international consortium advancing the technology from the laboratory toward a kW-scale prototype offering close collaboration with academic and industrial partners across Europe.