BSc/MSc Thesis/Internship project: Selective lithium recovery from brine using capacitive deionization system (electrochemical ion separation)

Wetsus; Leeuwarden; On-site; EUR 2,800 - 4,700; Part time

Job summary

Wetsus in Leeuwarden, NL invites a motivated BSc/MSc student to contribute to a thesis internship on selective lithium recovery from brine using capacitive deionization (CDI) with LiFePO4 electrodes. You will run CDI experiments, prepare solutions, and analyze Li+/Na+ concentrations under varying conditions.

The project combines electrochemistry, analytical lab work, and data interpretation within an established research framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's student in a relevant field (chemical/ environmental engineering, chemistry, or related).
• Fluent in English (speaking and writing).
• Interest in practical laboratory work and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Execute CDI experiments using LiFePO4 electrodes.
• Prepare and test aqueous Li/Na salt solutions.
• Vary operational parameters (current density, cycle duration, rest periods).
• Collect influent/effluent samples and analyze Li+ and Na+ concentrations.
• Organize, process and visualize experimental data.
• Contribute to performance evaluation and interpretation.

Skills

Electrochemistry

Analytical chemistry

Laboratory work

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor or Master student

Job description

thesis/internship
project: selective lithium recovery from brine using capacitive deionization system (electrochemical ion separation)

Type of project: BSc/MSc Thesis/Internship.
Anticipated start time: Starting in January 2027 or later.
Duration: At least 6 months.
Location: Wetsus, European centre of excellence for sustainable water technology, Leeuwarden, NL.
Allowance: The maximum Wetsus allowance for this internship is 425 € per month. Grant-holding students (i.e., Erasmus or other) receiving financial support of less than 425 € per month can apply for a top-up supplement to the maximum allowance.

Lithium is an essential element for batteries and renewable energy technologies. In natural and industrial brine streams, lithium is typically present together with much higher concentrations of competing ions, such as sodium (Na⁺).

Capacitive Deionization (CDI) is an electrochemical separation technique that operates at low voltage and without chemical additives, making it attractive for sustainable ion separation. When combined with intercalation-type electrode materials such as lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP), CDI shows potential for selective lithium uptake from mixed-ion solutions. However, in practice, selectivity strongly depends on operating conditions.

The objective of this project is to experimentally study and improve the selective removal of lithium from mixed-ion solutions, with a focus on lithium/sodium systems. The project will investigate how operational parameters influence lithium selectivity and system performance.

The student will work within a predefined experimental framework. The overall research direction, experimental strategy, and interpretation approach are determined by the supervisor.

The student’s role is to execute experiments, collect and analyze data, and contribute to performance evaluation.

Candidate Tasks:

• Running CDI experiments using LFP electrodes.
• Preparing and testing aqueous salt solutions containing lithium and competing ions (primarily Na⁺).
• Running predefined experimental protocols while varying operational parameters such as current density, cycle duration, and rest periods.
• Collecting influent and effluent samples during experiments.
• Analyzing ion concentrations (e.g., Li⁺ and Na⁺) using established analytical techniques.
• Organizing, processing, and visualizing experimental data.

Expected outcomes:

• Identify operational parameters that enhance lithium selectivity in mixed-ion systems.
• Practical insights that support further optimization of CDI-based lithium separation.

Your profile:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s student with a background in chemical engineering, (analytical) chemistry, Water technology, materials science, or Environmental engineering/science.
• EU citizen or non-EU citizen already enrolled in a Dutch university.
• Fluent in English (speaking, writing, and communication skills).
• Interest in practical laboratory experience and analytical work.
• Preferred skills: (Electro)chemistry and chemical laboratory experience.