PhD position: Electrochemistry of functionalized graphene membranes in fuel cells

PhD vacancies, Leiden Institute of Chemistry
Schneider and Hetterscheid groups

Electrochemistry of functionalized graphene membranes in fuel cells

Disciplines: ion transport chemistry and physics, electrochemistry, nanopores, energy devices, fuel cells, osmotic energy, membrane chemistry and physics, organic chemistry

The research project
For a successful energy transition wherein green hydrogen is synthesized and consumed at a large scale, alternatives to poly- and per-fluoroalkyl membranes are necessary. Atomically thin 2D materials such as functionalized graphene have been identified as potential candidates for selective proton transport.The project explores graphene as a working electrode and uses voltammetry techniques to establish correlations between the chemistry of the electrochemical active site and impact on transmembrane proton translocation.

The project aims to develop new methods and devices routed on the chemistry of 2D materials and the functionalization of graphene to store chemical energy and drive chemical reactions in fuel cells and electrolyzers.

The PhD students will be supervised by Grégory Schneider and Dennis Hetterscheid (Leiden Institute of Chemistry), and work in close collaboration with the teams at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics (Prof. Xinliang Feng) and at the Dresden University of Technology (Prof. Thomas Heine).

About the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC)
The research is run by the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, with its long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from state-of-the-art synthesis, physical chemistry, preparation and measurement facilities, unconventional nanofabrication equipment and experimental setups to measure ion transport will be designed supported by excellent mechanical and electronic workshops. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.

Your profile
The candidate should be excited to pursue an interdisciplinary PhD, which will involve a combination of ion transport physics, physical chemistry, membrane instrumentation, nanofabrication, chemical functionalization of graphene, spectroscopy, reverse osmosis and electrodialysis, fuel cell development and theory. The candidate should hold a Master degree in one of these topics. You will work in a highly collaborative environment as part of a inter-national team of PhD, postdoctoral researchers, MSc, and professional staff. Our lab supports diversity, access, and inclusion in all its forms. We strive to create a safe environment that supports personal and professional growth, well-being, scientific integrity, and stewardship. We collaborate widely with local and international labs, and are strongly driven to translate our research into societal impacts through working together with industry.

Applications are invited from outstanding graduates holding an MSc degree in Physical Chemistry, ideally with expertise in Electrochemistry, Transport Experimental Physics, Ion Flow Theory, Applied Physics, Soft Matter and Condensed Matter Physics, Nanoscience, or Organic Chemistry.

Candidates should have

• Prior experience in experimental work, and preferably have co-authored one or more publications.
• High motivation for research, and have an interest in theory.
• Talent to manage their time and in reporting progresses with a high level of independence.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• A strong teamwork mentality.

Terms and conditions for PhD positions

• The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as supervision of BSc and MSc research projects that contribute to the goals of this PhD project.
• We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive salary.
• We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2.901 to €3.707 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
• All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University and the Faculty of Science
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Thanks to its committed and inspired staff and students, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science ranges from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2500 staff and over 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.