Ultrafast high temperature sintering of ceramic components for solid state batteries

Functional ceramics play a key role in energy storage technologies such as all-solid-state lithium and sodium batteries. Traditionally, their processing relies on long and energy-intensive high-temperature sintering steps (700.1200°C for 12–48 h), which limit efficiency and restrict materials design. Ultrafast high-temperature sintering (UHS) has recently emerged as a disruptive alternative, enabling ceramic consolidation within seconds to minutes, drastically reducing energy consumption while minimizing unwanted reactions or degradation. This opens the possibility of combining materials that are typically incompatible under conventional furnace conditions.

This PhD project will focus on the design, optimization, and application of UHS methods for state-of-the-art functional ceramics in batteries. The candidate will develop and test ultrafast sintering protocols for solid electrolytes, cathode composites, and mixed ionic/electronic conductors. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and controlling densification, grain growth, and the integration of multilayered components, while systematically correlating sintering parameters, microstructure, and functional properties (e.g., ionic/electronic transport, battery capacity).

The ultimate goal is to fabricate a fully ceramic solid-state battery, in which all components are consolidated by UHS. This approach is expected to cut production times to below one hour, reduce energy consumption by more than 80%, and avoid degradation processes, thereby enabling superior battery performance compared to conventionally processed materials. Beyond this, UHS will serve as a platform for faster materials discovery and the accelerated deployment of next-generation energy technologies.

Academic background (required):

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science and Engineering, Ceramics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines.

Technical skills (desired):

• Knowledge of ceramic processing;
• Experience with sintering of powders.
• Background in electrochemistry (ionic transport, impedance spectroscopy, battery testing).
• Proficiency in materials characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, etc.).
• Interest in energy storage technologies.

Soft skills (required or highly valued):

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, for scientific communication.
• Strong team-working skills and ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• Ability to present and discuss research results clearly, both in oral and written formats.
• Problem-solving mindset
• Motivation and curiosity.

Efficient energy storage and clean power generation are key to the energy transition.

ATLAB group develops solid-state technologies, mainly All-Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs) and Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs). ASSBs, seen as the safest and high energy density alternative to lithium-ion batteries, replacing toxic, flammable liquid electrolytes with stable solid ones. ATLAB is advancing its own ASSB technology via non-conventional manufacturing such as 3D printing or ultra-fast sintering.

SOCs are central for hydrogen and synthetic fuels as future energy vectors: Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) store renewable energy as H₂, which can be used directly, converted to fuels with CO₂, or employed in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for clean power generation. ATLAB is developing SOC technology with advanced manufacturing while extending SOECs to co-electrolysis. With 20+ years’ expertise, ATLAB covers materials, characterization, and cell testing.