Development of Stabilized Lithium Metal Anodes through Surface Modification

BASQUEVOLT aims to become the European leader in the next generation of solid-state lithium batteries. Our technology will make possible the mass deployment of electric transportation, stationary energy storage and advanced portable devices.

Do you want to know more about us? Visit our website: https://basquevolt.com/en

1. Background and Motivation

Lithium metal is considered the ultimate anode due to its high theoretical capacity and low redox

potential. However, its practical deployment is limited by poor interfacial stability, dendritic growth, and

low Coulombic efficiency. Surface modification approaches, including alloy formation and artificial SEI

layers, have shown promise in mitigating these issues.

This internship is motivated by the need to develop practical, scalable surface treatments that enhance

the cyclability and safety of lithium metal anodes in both conventional and solid-state systems.

2. Objectives

The primary objective is to evaluate and optimize modified lithium metal anodes using surface-

engineering strategies. Specific goals include:

3. Proposed modified lithium

1. Modified Lithium Preparation and Cell Assembly

- Engineering and forming ex situ alloys directly on the lithium metal surface and investigate the effects

alloy compositions and thickness on the overall performance of the batteries.

- Assemble coin cells and/or pouch cells using modified Li metal anodes and cathode materials (NMC

and/or LFP).

2. Electrochemical Testing

- Conduct galvanostatic cycling, CV, EIS, and LSV to evaluate performance.

- Evaluate the modified anodes on overpotential, cycling stability, and Coulombic efficiency of

batteries.

3. Post-Mortem Analysis

- Disassemble cells and perform surface analysis (XPS, SEM, FTIR).

- Analyze SEI chemical composition, and lithium plating/stripping behavior.

4. Data Interpretation & Reporting

- Organize results into comprehensive datasets and summaries.

- Contribute to internal discussions and write a final technical report detailing key findings.

4. Expected Outcomes

- Validated surface modification strategies that enhance lithium metal stability.

- Identification of optimal alloy compositions or SEI chemistries with improved cycling performance.

- Comparative analysis of coin vs. pouch cell behavior using modified anodes.

- Technical contributions that inform future industrial-scale developments at Basquevolt.

5. Skills and Knowledge Gained

- Advanced knowledge of lithium metal behavior and stabilization strategies.

- Hands-on training in electrochemical methods (EIS, CV, GCPL).

- Experience with SEM, FTIR, XPS, and other post-mortem analysis tools.

- Data handling, interpretation, and scientific reporting in a real-world R&D setting.

- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in an innovative industrial environment.

6. Conclusion

This internship provides a unique opportunity to tackle one of the most critical challenges in next-generation battery technology. The candidate will gain valuable experience at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and industrial R&D while contributing directly to the advancement of lithium metal anode technology at Basquevolt.

1. Required academic Background

• Bachelor's (advanced standing) or Master's student in one of the following disciplines:
  • Chemistry
  • Materials Science/Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrochemistry
  • Energy Engineering or related fields

2. Required solid foundation in

• Electrochemistry
• Solid-state chemistry or inorganic chemistry
• Materials characterization techniques
• Thermodynamics and kinetics of materials

3. Required soft skills

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret experimental data and connect results with battery performance mechanisms.
• Problem-Solving: Creative thinking in designing experiments or troubleshooting electrochemical issues.
• Technical Writing: Ability to document experiments and prepare structured technical reports (or willingness to learn).
• Teamwork: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in an R&D setting.
• Attention to Detail: Essential for working with delicate materials and precision instrumentation.