As renewable electricity from wind and solar becomes cheaper and higher in demand, the storage of electrical energy is getting more urgent. One of the cheapest yet highly energy efficient ways to store electricity on a large scale is with redox flow batteries. In a particularly promising battery type, hydrogen and bromine are created from water and hydrogen bromide during charging, and converted back during discharge. To improve performance, durability, and cost effectiveness, membrane-less designs have been proposed and successfully tested. Separation of reaction products can be effected by ensuring thin laminar boundary layers, see for example Braff et al., Nature Comm., 4, 2346 (2013) and Suss et al. RSC Adv., 6 (2016).

The power density of such membraneless redox flow battery could be doubled compared to current State-of-the-Art systems, which would boost the battery deployment. However, the practical process operation has never been applied in practice, and has potential issues to overcome. In particular, catalyst contamination with bromine can be an issue in a membraneless system.

In this project, we will test experimentally the effect of different electrolyte compositions and process operations of a novel membraneless hydrogen bromine redox flow battery. We will use expertise from catalysis, electrochemistry and mass transport in the electrolyte to control the stable battery operation. New electrolytes will be developed and tested using electrochemical methods and knowledge will be applied in system designs for battery prototypes.

This project is part of an European collaboration between universities and industrial partners. Therefore, the insights gained in this work will be immediately put to use in designing prototypes. At TU Delft, one 3-year postdoc position (this one) and a PhD position (see academic transfer position 286378) are available in this collaborative framework. Your daily operation is in the Vermaas lab.

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree obtained, or nearly obtained, in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or similar. The candidate should have:

• An excellent track record in his/her education and/or work
• Proven experimental skills
• A background in electrochemistry
• Being familiar with process technology / optimization and catalysis is a plus
• Pro-active for innovative solutions
• An excellent command of English (writing and speaking)
• An open mind to collaborate with other scientists and industry

Fixed-term contract: Temporary.

This postdoc position has a fixed-term contract of 3 years. The salary depends on the working experience. In addition, TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

TU Delft creates equal opportunities and encourages women to apply.   

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty has 7 departments, from which the Department of Chemical Engineering is one of them, where this project is being performed.

The department of Chemical Engineering is active in the field of  energy, water, health, and the environment. TU Delft’s strong reputation in the field is emphasized by being ranked in the top-10 of universities worldwide in the QS World Ranking 2019 for the subject Chemical Engineering.