Decarbonization of our energy economy is paramount to combat climate change. Large scale energy storage must be deployed at a global scale to enable widespread integration of renewable energy technologies (e.g. solar and wind power) and secure grid stability. Redox flow batteries are a class of rechargeable electrochemical devices that are suited for storing megawatt-hours of electrical energy for multiple hours. However, current flow batteries are hampered by technical and economic challenges which motivates the exploration of new chemistries and reactor formats to enable transformative improvements. Specifically, engineering the electrode microstructure and surface properties is a powerful approach to enhance the performance, cost, and durability of the system. However, to date there is limited knowledge on how to deterministically design porous electrodes which results in a reduced choice of electrode materials, mostly limited to fibrous based substrates which fundamentally limit the performance of redox flow batteries. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop highly engineered electrode materials using versatile and scalable manufacturing techniques to unlock new electrochemical systems.

ULTRAPEAR (Pushing the limits of redox flow battery power density through novel porous electrode architectures) will develop the fundamental guiding principles for the large-scale synthesis of porous electrode materials using a combination of novel methods grounded on polymer science and engineering. We hypothesize that optimizing an electrode microstructure will require sophisticated control of pore sizes across multiple length scales to facilitate mass transport (convection, diffusion, and migration), while providing high surface area at specific locations of the reactor. Our objective is to answer the question how far can we push the power density of redox flow batteries through electrode engineering?

• PhD in Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related discipline.
• Expertise in redox flow batteries, polymer science, porous electrodes, and electrochemistry is highly desired.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher who is driven by fundamental and applied research in electrochemical energy technologies and wants to make a positive impact in our team and society.
• Excellent mastering of the English language.
• Leadership, supervision skills, and strong communication skills.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

An interview and a scientific presentation are part of the selection procedure.

• A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together and you will have the opportunity to present your work in international conferences. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists!
• A full-time employment for 1.5 years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year. 
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.