Master's thesis: Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes Based on Hard Carbon Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds

2 weeks ago

Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden RISE Research Institutes of Sweden Full time

Master's thesis: Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes Based on Hard Carbon Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds

Background and d
escription****
Hard carbon derived from waste spent coffee grounds (SCGs) has emerged as a promising, sustainable anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), delivering capacities of 150–280 mAh g⁻¹ and excellent cycling stability. Owing to the lignocellulosic composition of coffee waste, rich in poly-hexagonal ring structures that carbonize efficiently, SCGs develop favorable microstructures for Na⁺ storage. Recent studies show that optimized two-stage thermal treatments can convert spent coffee grounds into well-structured hard carbons exhibiting capacities up to 270 mAh g⁻¹, ~98% retention over 100 cycles, and high full-cell energy densities. This approach also aligns strongly with biomass valorization and circular-economy principles by transforming an abundant waste stream into a high-value energy-storage material.

The work aims to synthesize and optimize hard carbon from SCGs and evaluate its performance in sodium-ion half-cells and full-cells paired with cathodes. Key research tasks include (1) optimizing carbonization parameters to produce high-performance hard carbons; (2) conducting physicochemical characterization (XRD, Raman, SEM/TEM) to assess interlayer spacing, disorder, morphology, and pore structure; (3) performing electrochemical tests to determine ICE, Na⁺ storage mechanisms, rate capability, and full-cell behavior; and (4) correlating structural features with electrochemical performance to identify pathways for improving ICE, capacity, and rate capability. Overall, the work aims to advance sustainable SIB anode development while contributing to circular-economy strategies that valorize waste biomass into functional battery materials.

Expected Learning Outcomes
The student will gain experience in:

  • Biomass-derived carbon synthesis
  • Structural and morphological characterization of carbon materials
  • Sodium-ion battery electrode fabrication and electrochemical testing
  • Mechanistic understanding of Na-ion storage in hard carbon

Supervisors:

  • Main supervisor: Dr. Yaprak Subasi,
  • Co-supervisor: Dr. Illia Dobryden,

Terms
Location: RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm.

Start date: 26th January, 2026.

Compensation: 10,000 SEK for travel, materials and the like after the project is completed and approved.

Welcome with your application
Application deadline: 18th of December.

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