Thesis worker

Title: Investigation of the potential of regeneration for lithium-based cells as a method to extend battery cells life cycle.


Background:


By 2050, 2 billion batteries would be needed on the roads. From materials supply shortage perspective to battery waste management and to further improving the sustainable approach towards net zero emission, future developments of batteries technologies are needed to support the green transition towards a more responsible use of the finite resources.
Initial research investigations have demonstrated promising results to recover the capacity of the cells after reaching their end of life (80% State of Health, SoH). Such process has big potential to extend the lifecycle of the battery cells, and the need for further understanding of the process parameters of the regeneration and its implications could have large impact on the electromobility sector.


Research tasks:


The goal of this Master thesis is to join Volvo’s effort towards the complete electrification of its fleet and equipment and moving towards advanced and highly sustainable solutions. This work will be performed as a collaboration between Volvo Group Trucks Technology (GTT) and Chalmers University of Technology in order to correlate the parameters of the regeneration process and the materials properties of the cell through:
Battery cell performance tests: The focus will be on the evaluation of the cell capacities and different internal parameters such us internal resistance using advanced analysis techniques as the Electrochemical Internal Spectroscopy (EIS).
Material characterization: The study will also focus on the material aspect of the cell that includes the examination of the cells structures to evaluate the presence the composition of the cell using advanced characterization techniques.

You will improve your skills in:
Developing an understanding of battery cells technologies.
Acquire valuable hands-on experience in cell testing.
Master different analytical techniques – SEM, XRD, XPS Data processing, etc.
Gain experience from a multidisciplinary and international experience within Volvo.
Be part of an exciting journey towards electrification and Electrical Vehicles technologies.

Qualifications:
MSc Chemistry/Materials Science/Electrical Engineering or similar subjects.
Good communication skills in English because of the international environment.
Self-driven and structured work approach.
Experience in Lithium-ion batteries is a merit.

Thesis Level: Master (30 ECTS)

Language: English


Starting date: January 2023


Number of students: 1-2


Tutor
Hafid Zehri, Verification Engineer, hafid.zehri@consultant.volvo.com, 0761185655