Borse a tematica vincolata

Scholarship A:

TRENTINO ENERGY HUB:
Innovative materials and processes for sodium-ion batteries

Research group link: https://www.dii.unitn.it/en/83/materials-engineering
Contacts:  vincenzo.sglavo@unitn.it; michele.orlandi@unitn.it; emacchi@fbk.eu; 
mgandolfo@fbk.eu
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome:   The shift toward sodium-ion batteries (SIB) is driven by the urgent need for
lithium-independent, cost-effective energy storage. However, the "lab-tomarket"
transition is currently hindered by the high energy costs and
chemical instabilities associated with the in-house synthesis of ceramic
electrolytes. The present research proposal advocates for a shift in focus,
leveraging commercially available polycrystalline powders—for example,
NASICON (Na3Zr2Si2PO12) and Mg-doped β′′-alumina—to prioritize
device-level integration and manufacturing scalability.
To overcome the traditional barriers of high-temperature sintering
(>1000°C), which often lead to detrimental sodium volatilisation and
excessive grain growth, an innovative sintering process, such as the Cold
Sintering Process, will be considered to densify ceramic precursors at
temperatures below 300°C. In this way, it should be possible to maintain
the precise chemical composition of the high-purity starting powder and
integrate the ceramic scaffold with thermally sensitive polymer-salt binders
(e.g., PEO-NaTFSI) to form a flexible "ceramic-in- polymer" composite that
mitigates mechanical brittleness. The materials will be subjected to
physical, chemical, electrochemical and mechanical characterization to
identify proper solutions for the development of innovative SIB.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies):  Master in Materials Science / Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemistry of
Materials; previous experiences in processing of ceramics / glasses and in
structural, mechanical and electrochemical characterization of materials

Scholarship B

TRENTINO ENERGY HUB: Fundamental Electronic Structure Theory and Correlated Electron and Ion Dynamics in Energy Conversion Systems

Research group link:    https://mattheory.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts:     m.calandrabuonaura@unitn.it
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome:   This theoretical physics hesis focuses on the fundamental quantummechanical mechanisms governing next-generation energy materials. By employing first-principles Density Functional Theory (DFT), advanced computational manybody physics frameworks and material design techniques, the doctoral research will investigate the electronic structure, excited-state dynamics, and interfaces relevant to high-capacity solid-state energy storage and photocatalytic water splitting. Rather than relying on empirical chemistry, the project approaches these materials from a theoretical condensed matter physics perspective. The candidate will model charge transport, map potential energy surfaces, and predict novel material phases at the atomic scale using theoretical physics and high-performance supercomputing resources. The primary objective is to decode the quantum-mechanical laws regulating electron and ion mobility, establishing predictive physical principles that can accelerate the design of highly efficient systems for energy storage and green hydrogen production.
Expected Research Outcomes:
1. Predictive Quantum Frameworks: Development of high-accuracy, firstprinciples
models that map charge-carrier dynamics and phase stability at the interfaces of solid-state batteries and water-splitting catalysts.
2. Ab Initio Material Discovery: Identification and theoretical validation of novel, non-empirical material compositions exhibiting optimized electronic structures for accelerated ion transport and enhanced photocatalytic efficiency.
3. Fundamental Physical Insights: A deeper, quantum-mechanical understanding of the degradation mechanisms and excited-state behaviors that limit current clean energy materials, providing a theoretical blueprint for experimentalists.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies): A solid background in theoretical condensed matter physics and solid state theory or quantum chemistry, strong passion for numerical simulations.
 

Scholarship C

TRENTINO ENERGY HUB:
Production of hydrogen through methane plasma cracking assisted by membrane filtration

Research group link:   https://molecular.physics.unitn.it/
Contacts:   Luca Matteo Martini (luca.martini.1@unitn.it); Riccardo Checchetto (riccardo.checchetto@unitn.it)
Synthetic description of the activity and expected research outcome:   Plasma-assisted decomposition of methane and biogas, when powered by renewable energy sources, is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective method for producing CO2-free hydrogen. The project aims to develop and test a plasma reactor to facilitate methane cracking. The activity includes the development of hydrogen separation and purification systems based on membranes. The Ph.D. student will characterize the processes underlying the production of valuable products (e.g., H2) and optimize their production mechanisms.
Ideal candidate (skills and competencies):   We are looking for a talented and motivated student with a background in experimental physics or chemical physics. Experience in non-thermal plasma processing and membrane filtration systems is a plus. She/he should have a strong attitude toward teamwork and problem solving.