PhD Electrocatalytic investigation of green hydrogen production

Job description

The University of Groningen has an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, we are truly an international place of knowledge.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering harbours a kaleidoscope of disciplines and research strengths, ranging from natural sciences to advanced engineering.

The Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) is highly multidisciplinary in nature and focuses on fundamental and applied research on the development of innovative processes and products for a wide range of sectors. Research activities are performed in the field of chemical and biochemical systems, mechanical and electric systems, and system networks.

Job description

In the Chemical Engineering group of the University of Groningen, we are looking for a PhD candidate for a project on the “Electrocatalytic investigation of green hydrogen production by alkaline water splitting”. The electrochemical production of green hydrogen by means of water electrolysis is expected to play a pivotal role in the energy transition towards a more sustainable industry and society. In this PhD project, you will explore and enhance the activity and stability of electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) by understanding and controlling the role of impurities and additives in the electrolyte, and their interplay with the conditions at which the AWE is operated, including the effect of intermittency. The project will combine fundamental insights with applied targets, aiming at tackling crucial challenges related to AWE technology. Your supervisors will be Prof. Dr. Paolo P. Pescarmona, Full. Prof. in Catalysis & Sustainability and Dr. Dulce M. Morales, Assist. Professor in Electrocatalysis.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Preparation and characterization of electrocatalysts for AWE.
• Testing and optimization of the developed electrocatalysts.
• Investigation of the role of impurities and additives in the electrolyte.
• Study of the effect of intermittency on the performance of the electrocatalysts.
• Preparation of scientific articles and conference communications.
• Supervision of bachelor and master students and other teaching activities (10% of your time).
• Contribution to the scientific and collaborative research environment in the Chemical Engineering group and in the whole ENTEG.

Qualifications

We are looking for a motivated and skilled student with a MSc degree in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. Background in electrochemistry and catalysis is appreciated. The successful candidate should have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

Organisation

Conditions of employment

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

• A salary of € 2,901 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week.
• A full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 4 years.
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance.
• A fulltime (1.0 FTE) position for four years; first, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Candidates are expected to start in March-April 2025