Within the Inorganic Membranes group we have a PhD position available in the area of CO2 electrolysis using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs).

Recycling of CO2 for fuel synthesis using the dissociation products can both stabilize and extend the utilization of renewable energy sources. Solid oxide electrolysis offers a promising route for electrolysis of CO2 (and steam or mixtures thereof). Using an externally applied potential, CO2 can be electrochemically converted into CO and oxygen ions at the cathode, while the oxygen ions are transported to the anode of the SOEC to form gaseous O2. In the current project, the objective is to tune the cathode surfaces, by making use of redox active dopant materials and/or using infiltration methods, to facilitate selective and efficient CO2 reduction.

The work will be conducted in the framework of the NWO Open Technology project ‘Power-to-Gas’. In this project, DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research), The Membrane Materials and Processes (MMP) group of the TU/e (Eindhoven University of Technology, and the Electrochemistry Research group (ERG), Membrane Science and Technology (MST) of the University of Twente combine efforts to enhancing CO2 conversion and energy-efficiency of electrically-driven dissociation of CO2 for fuel synthesis by synergistic integration of plasmolysis, electrolysis and membrane separation.

Applicants should have a background in materials science, solid state chemistry or in a closely related discipline. Fluency in English is required. An interview will be part of the selection procedure. The intended starting date is September 1st, 2017.

For more information please contact Professor Henny J.M. Bouwmeester (h.j.m.bouwmeester@utwente.nl); tel. +31(0)53-4892202.

Your application must be uploaded via the link below febore the 30th of June. Do not apply by e-mail. Applications need to include a one-page motivation letter, a detailed CV (incl. obtained degrees and publications, if any), and contact details of at least 2 references.

The University of Twente offers a stimulating work environment in an area of applied, forefront research. You will have a full time employment contract for the duration of 4 years and can participate in all employee benefits the University offers. The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.222,- in the first year and increases to € 2.840,- in the fourth year of your employment. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance (amount to 8%) and an end of year bonus of 8.3%. A high-quality training programme is part of the agreement. The research has to result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.