PhD Position Tailored Electrodes for CO2 Electrolysis

This PhD position explores how to design better electrodes for CO2 electrolysis to ethylene.

Job description

A major contributor to climate change are carbon dioxide emissions. To reduce emissions and thus combat climate change, it is imperative that carbon-free sources of energy, such as wind and solar energy are utilized. The intermittent nature of both solar and wind energy is typically not well matched with electricity demand. Consequently, both short- and long term energy storage is necessary on an immense scale. Through carbon dioxide electrolysis, renewable energy can be stored in the form of stable chemical bonds. When combined with carbon dioxide capture, electrolysis that converts CO2 to liquid fuels can form a carbon neutral energy cycle.

Over the last few years, catalytic materials and electrolyzers for CO2 electrolysis have made large advances in terms of geometric surface area, current density and selectivity towards valuable products such as C2H4. To reach successful commercial deployment of CO2 to C2H4, we need to better understand how we can improve gas diffusion electrodes for CO2 electrolysis.

This position will focus on fundamentally understanding how processes occuring in the gas diffusion electrodes affect electrolyzer performance and degradation mechanisms. This work will be supported by advanced characterization tools that are available within the HyCARB program that funds this position. In addition, multiscale modeling will be used to model processes occuring in the electrode. The obtained insights will be used to engineer and fabricate new electrode geometries with optimized mass transport and catalyst layer structures for more durable and selective ethylene generation from CO2 electrolysis.

This PhD position is in the research group of Dr. Ruud Kortlever at the Process & Energy department of the Mechanical Engineering faculty. The position will benefit from the existing expertise of the group on electrocatalytic conversions and the established state-of-the-art electrochemical lab that is comprised of many product analysis and material characterization techniques. You will work together with a diverse team of scientists interested in these topics, and will also be part of the e-Refinery institute that focusses on electrochemical conversion technologies. Given the rapid development and large interest in the technology, we expect you to publish in scientific literature and present the technology to the general public, hence good communication skills in addition to scientific and engineering talent is required.

Job requirements

• You have a recently completed master degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or related fields, preferably with a focus on electrochemistry/electrochemical engineering.
• You have excellent academic qualifications and a strong drive to advance electrolyzer technology and to explore new materials and understand their properties using of state-of-the art techniques.
• Strong experimental, a pro-active and creative mind-set, and a pioneering mentality are essential for this project.
• In addition, good written and oral presentation and communication skills are required.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

Research and education at the Mechanical Engineering faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.