The Institute for Frontier Materials’ Battery Research and Innovation Hub is a world-class facility for battery design, fabrication and testing that connects research with industry to support the production of next generation batteries and battery components. A vital part of the work we do involves providing training opportunities to domestic and international students. We connected with Mohand Oumerabet, a Materials Science student from France, who recently completed a three-month internship at the Battery Hub.

The Internship 

I wanted to explore a new field in electrochemistry, so I turned to batteries. Through LinkedIn and some online research, I discovered IFM and Battery Hub, which seemed like the perfect fit, hands-on lab work and a focus on batteries. What really sold me was the young, dynamic team, the modern facilities, and IFM’s mission, which aligns with my French company’s goal of developing sustainable technologies. 

During my internship at IFM/Battery Hub, I worked on the project “Solvent-free Preparation of Large-scale Thin Solid-electrolyte Membranes”. The goal was to develop a solvent-free preparation method (dry process) for OIPC-based solid-electrolyte membranes, and to characterise their physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance compared to previous membranes prepared using a wet process. 

Before this internship, I was studying at ENSMAC in Bordeaux, specialising in Materials Science. I am also in a work-study program, a study system in France that combines academic studies with professional experience. I work in the field of corrosion and cathodic protection of gas pipelines at the research centre of GRTgaz, the French gas transmission operator. 

Through the internship, I wanted to learn more about batteries, the tests performed in this field, and the lab equipment. I ended up learning way more than I expected. I can now: 

• Work in a glove box; 
• Assemble coin cells; 
• Design solid-state electrolytes and electrodes; 
• Perform battery testing (conductivity, cycling, etc.); 
• Carry out various characterisations (SEM-EDX, TGA, DSC, FTIR) and interpret the results. 

I also improved my technical and professional English, thanks to collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and presenting my project updates every two weeks. By the end, I even presented my results to the entire team. 

Traveling Australia and New Zealand 

Melbourne was incredible, I discovered breathtaking landscapes and met plenty of adorable animals. From kangaroos and koalas in the Grampians to the penguin parade on Phillip Island, it was like living in a nature documentary. 

As for my travels, every day felt like a dream. It is hard to pick favorites, but here are some highlights: 

• Skydiving over Queenstown, New Zealand (yes, I jumped out of a perfectly good plane!); 
• Stunning New Zealand views at Milford Sound and Mount Cook; 
• The Blue Mountains in Sydney and their iconic Three Sisters; 
• The Whitsundays, Australia, a slice of paradise with white sands and crystal-clear waters; 
• Riding the Skyrail in Cairns, Australia. I flew over a beautiful, untouched rainforest canopy. 

I could go on forever, but let’s just say every day was unforgettable. 

What’s next for Mohand 

I plan to complete my master’s degree and graduate in September 2025. This internship confirmed my interest in batteries, so I have chosen to specialise in Energy Storage and Conversion for my final year. 

I am also seriously considering pursuing a PhD in battery research after graduation. This internship showed me how enriching and impactful this field can be, and I would love to contribute further. 

Take-aways for the internship 

My experience at IFM was amazing. From attending conferences to achieving all my objectives, I had a fulfilling time. I also got to expand my international network and learn from people worldwide, especially a warm and welcoming team. 

Standout moments of my time at Battery Hub are definitely the board game nights where Tim introduced me to some awesome games, the AFL finals (I still do not fully understand the rules), and all the birthdays we celebrated. And yes, TGIF was always a highlight! 

I would like to express how grateful I am for this opportunity. Working with such a welcoming and supportive team made all the difference. Special thanks to Dr Hiroyuki Ueda for his guidance and to the entire Battery Hub and IFM teams for making this internship possible. The world is small, so I hope to cross paths with many of the people I met through this experience again someday.