PhD student on the development of porous electrodes for water electrolyzers

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to design, synthesize and test novel porous electrode materials in alkaline water electrolyzers. Alkaline water electrolysis is a promising technology to produce hydrogen using renewable electricity and water, but suffers from high costs which challenge their widespread implementation.  At the core of the electrochemical stack, the porous electrodes are critical components as they manage complex flows (liquid water and generated gas bubbles), provide catalytic surfaces for reactions, and conduct electrons and heat. Developing electrode materials that can sustain these requirements will lower the costs of hydrogen production and accelerate the energy transition.

In this project, you will investigate the role of the electrode structure (porosity, pore size) as well as surface properties. Based on this fundamental knowledge, you shall conceptualize new electrode architectures and manufacture them using scalable methods. The developed electrode materials will be characterized using microscopy, spectroscopy, and fluid dynamic measurements. Finally, the developed materials will be implemented and tested in alkaline water electrolyzers in our laboratories at the TU/e and by industrial partners.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related disciplines.
• We are looking for a talented, motivated and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit, who like to work in an internationally oriented, social environment.

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

A meaningful job in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en 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!
n addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.