PhD Position: Physics of Electrochemistry

This four-year fully funded PhD project revolves around theoretical predictions for electrochemical reactions at interfaces between solid electrodes and aqueous electrolytes. These reactions are of importance in for instance hydrolysers, where electron transfer between the electrode and a (de-)hydrated ion occurs during redox reactions. This multiscale challenge is embedded in a national consortium and involves the integration of statistical physics and chemical kinetics with hydrodynamics and numerics.

Your job

The Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (DINS) has, in conjunction with theInstitute for Theoretical Physics (ITP), an opening for a PhD candidate for a project on the (theoretical) physics of electrochemistry. Although electrochemistry is an established field that dates back to the nineteenth century, it is still full of fundamental physics challenges with a direct bearing on applications such as hydrogen production, batteries, and catalysis. The generic problem involves electron transfer processes during REDOX reactions in the atomic vicinity of a solid (or porous) cathode and anode in contact with an aqueous electrolyte. This not only requires (Ohmic) transport of electrons through an external circuit but also (Ohmic, diffusive, and advective) transport of chemical species (reactants and products) through the liquid electrolyte (see figure).The reaction at the atomic scale is thus not only coupled to the hydration and solubility of the ions in the supporting electrolyte, but also to the polarization of the water molecules and the electric double layers in the nanometer vicinity of the electrodes. Moreover, on the macroscopic (device) scale even electrokinetic fluid flow phenomena (e.g. electro-osmosis and diffusio-osmosis) will occur, sourced in the nanometer vicinity of the electrodes.

Building on and guided by recent and ongoing theoretical and experimental research in this area, also within the embedding consortium, this project will address several of the profound challenges posed by this multiscale problem. Your task will be to learn and further develop theories:

• that couple the kinetics of redox reactions with microscopic models of electrolytes; and
• that bridge the gap between nanometer-scale statistical physics and macroscopic (device scale) osmotic-flow phenomena.

Moreover, next to theory development an important task is to perform numerical calculations for explicit electrochemical systems of experimental interest in the consortium. We offer an inspiring and stimulating environment on the crossroad of theoretical physics and electrochemistry, with a wide local embedding that not only combines physics and chemistry but also theory and experiment and possibly also fundamental and applied aspects.

Within four years after the start, the project is expected to lead to a PhD dissertation and a doctorate from Utrecht University.

Your qualities

You have a broad interest in physics and chemistry, good oral and written communication skills, and have an MSc degree in (theoretical) physics, theoretical chemistry, or a closely related (engineering or materials science) field. Experience with numerical methods and programming is required, and a background in soft-matter physics, physical chemistry, and fluid dynamics is an asset.

Our offer

• A stimulating scientific environment where you will have ample opportunity to develop your own research ideas on the topic;
• a full-time position for four years;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,901 and €3,707 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.