Postdoc: proton ceramic electrolysis cells and solid oxide electrolysis cells

Postdoc who wants to work in the group of Catalytic and Electrochemical Processes for Energy Applications in the area of proton ceramic electrolysis cells and solid oxide electrolysis cells.

Scientific aim:
The development of green hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy transition is driven by ambitious goals and targets set by the European Commission, among others, as part of the Green Deal and the Repower Europe strategy. Achieving these targets is expected to drive down costs, resulting in positive business cases. Based on these targets, the market for electrolysis plants in Europe alone will be a multi-billion euro market, making it attractive for the European manufacturing industry to invest heavily in the technology.

However, the technology is not yet fully mature, which leads to significant risks during implementation. This results in much higher costs than estimated. Innovations across the value chain are needed to reduce these risks and lower costs. HyPRO is a national project, where multiple academic and industrial partners, focus on reducing (technical) risks across the value chain, which expected to have a substantial impact on the levelized cost of hydrogen. (https://groenvermogennl.org/project/hypro-onderzoek-naar-technische-risicos-en-kostenverlaging-van-groene-waterstof/).

This Postdoc position will focus on the degradation mechanisms of PCEC and SOEC electrodes (with special focus on chromium poisoning) via advanced characterization.

The research tasks are highly interdisciplinary and will perfectly align with emerging research lines and granted projects at DIFFER.

• Assembling, characterization and evaluation of PCEC and SOEC cells
• Implementation of interconnects with different protective coatings
• Physicostructural material characterization (XRD, XPS, SEM, IBA)
• Gas phase analysis of reaction products (GC, MS, FTIR)
• Preparation of scientific papers and conference communications.
• Supervision of bachelor and master students.
• Contribution to the scientific & collaborative research environment at DIFFER.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a qualified and motivated candidate that meets the following requirements:

• Education as chemist, chemical engineer, materials scientist or similar in BSc and MSc level and electrochemistry or electrocatalysis at PhD level
• Practical experience in the areas of proton ceramic and/or solid oxide fuel cells or electrolysers
• Strong communication skills and attitude to participate successfully in multidisciplinary projects
• Ability to work well individually and as a team member
• Good communication skills in English (both written and spoken)

This position is for 1 FTE, will be for a period of 2 years with option for extension and is graded in pay scale 10. The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. Our user facilities are open to industry and university researchers. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) DIFFER plays a key role in fundamental research for the energy transition.

We use a multidisciplinary approach applicable on two key areas, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and nuclear fusion – as a clean source of energy.