TOPIC #2
Advanced characterization methods in high power battery electrode interfaces
Research area: High-Power Devices; Advanced Methods
Keywords: High power; Characterizations; Synchrotron radiation; x-ray techniques; high rate
Supervising team: Marco GIORGETTI (UNIBO) & Giovanni AGOSTINI (Elettra)
Abstract
Developing next-generation batteries for high-performance automotive applications demands a deep understanding of material behavior under extreme operating conditions, including rapid charge/discharge, high power and long-term durability. The combination of tomography and X-ray diffraction/spectroscopy is a powerful approach for understanding both liquid and solid-state batteries. Correlating the microstructure with local chemistry, crystalline phases, and oxidation-state distribution is essential for identifying degradation mechanisms and performance limits. X-ray tomography provides high-resolution 3D imaging of material behavior under cycling, revealing crack and voids formation that directly impact fast-charging performance. Complementarily, X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy capture phase transitions, compositional changes, and atomic-level insight into charge distribution and local structural evolution. These advanced characterization techniques are critical for addressing the stringent requirements of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. During the PhD located in University of Bologna, the candidate will address challenges in improving temporal resolution and imaging quality, taking advantage of advances in synchrotron sources to capture (in the range of minutes) real-time processes at high cycling rates. Future developments will focus on optimizing temporal resolution of combined X-ray techniques and innovating ways to integrate high-rate cycling with synchrotron-based measurements. This work will support the design of robust, fast-charging batteries for demanding EV environments.
For candidates applying for a PhD at University of Bologna, please note that, in accordance with recent national regulations on research contracts, one of the requirements of this contract is that no more than six years have passed since the candidate obtained their Master’s degree.
Interest for the student
Expected mobility: The mobility plan for the PhD candidate includes placements at both the secondment institution (Elettra Sincrotrone, Trieste, Italy) and the industry partner Ferrari S.p.A. through E-Cells Lab (joint lab with University of Bologna). The candidate will spend time at the industry partner, approximately between months M6 and M18 of the project.
Synchrotron-based experiments will be conducted not only during the dedicated secondment period at Elettra but also throughout the entire duration of the project. These will include several short research visits (typically 3–5 days) to Elettra and other synchrotron facilities, such as ESRF (France), SOLEIL (France), and SOLARIS (Poland).
Career opportunities: Overall, this project is expected to provide a competitive advantage not only for the secondment institution (Elettra) and the E-Cells Lab but also for the candidate’s career. In particular, the skill
