Available positions

All PhD candidates will participate in the centre research. The individual PhD position will work at the respective universities, but a close collaboration with partners that work on the same subject are expected and encouraged.

Currently 4 PhD positions are available. For application to the positions please follow the link below the description, to the individual universities recruitment pages.

Novel durabel catalyst support

A Ph.D. position is open for synthesis, characterization and optimization of novel durable catalyst supports (f.x. silicon carbide, tin oxide, carbon nanotubes & carbon nano fibers) for potential application in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). Solid state synthesis, wet chemistry, electrochemical characterization (CV, RDE, EIS) and surface analysis (XPS, Raman, SEM-EDX, TEM, etc.) are inevitable techniques. The project is based on close collaboration among 4M center partners.

Apply online (deadline passed)

Investigation of ion conduction and acid transport in HTPEM MEAs

The focus of this PhD position is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms governing ion transport in HTPEM fuel cells at different stages of lifetime; during break-in, during subsequent degradation and when performance is recovered during start/stop cycles. A key part of the project will be to improve the understanding of acid transport mechanisms in the MEA and the associated influence on ion conductivity and possibly also the available catalytic surface area of the electrodes (electrode flooding). The project is expected to involve both experimental work and model simulations. The project is part of the 4M consortium and will be carried out in close collaboration with Serenergy.

We expect applicants to have a suitable background in electrochemistry of fuel cells and experience with experimental characterization methods as well as mechanistic modeling of fuel cells.

Apply online (deadline passed)

Development of fuel cell stack diagnostics methods

The focus of the vacant PhD position is development of diagnostics methods applicable to fuel cell stacks when integrated in a fuel cell system. The initial part of the work will focus on single cell studies to develop the fundamental cell diagnostics principles based on for example electrochemical impedance spectroscopy or similar characterization technique. In the last part of the project, the methods should be extended to and demonstrated for complete fuel cell stacks. The realization of the diagnostics methods will most likely also involve mathematical modeling of the fuel cell. The project is part of the 4M consortium and will be carried out in close collaboration with Serenergy.

We expect applicants to have a suitable background in control engineering, mechatronic systems or electrochemistry related to fuel cells.

Apply online (deadline passed)

Oxygen reduction catalysts for HT-PEMFCs

The main aim of the PhD project is to study the influence of anion adsorption on the oxygen reduction reaction rate on HT-PEM catalysts. For this purpose an in-situ ATR-FTIR setup coupled to a wall jet cell is available in the group. The setup is designed to probe the electrochemical interface in combination with a simultaneous determination of reaction rates on supported catalysts. Exchange research visits at the partner groups, e.g. at FZ Jülich, are envisaged.

A MSc or equivalent degree in a field relevant to the research project is required. We are in particular seeking candidates with experience in material science, electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, and/or spectroscopy.

Apply online (deadline passed)