Postdoc Stable Carbon Dioxide Electrolysis

How do electrocatalysts degradate under CO2 electrolysis conditions and can we mitigate degradation?

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. One of the key parameters that is required for successful commercial deployment of CO2 electrolysis technology, namely stability and durability, has however been largely overlooked. Only recently, work has intensified on investigating the stability of Cu-based materials, being the catalytic material of choice for the production of valuable products such as ethylene and ethanol. Within this project, we aim to investigate the stability of Cu-based electrocatalytic materials under realistic operating conditions and to improve the stability of these materials by coating them with ultrathin protective layers via atomic layer deposition. This project thereby aims to generate knowledge on the stability of electrocatalytic materials during CO2 electrolysis and the effectiveness of protecting these materials, both of which will be crucial for the commercial deployment of this technology.

This postdoc 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

• A PhD degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, material science, physical chemistry or similar.
• Hands on experimental experience with electrochemistry.
• Experience with material characterization techniques.
• Good teamplayer with a collaborative mind-set.
• Pro-active and creative mind-set.
• Fluent in English, good written and oral presentation skills.
• Starting as soon as possible.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME 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. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 20 months.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.