Postdoc in Nanostructure Electrodeposition for Hybrid Water Electrolysis

Postdoc in Nanostructure Electrodeposition for Hybrid Water Electrolysis

KTH - Royal Institute of Technology

Stockholm, Sweden

Job description

Water-splitting electrolysers powered by renewable electricity is a promising solution to produce green hydrogen fuel. However, the high voltage input required to drive the device considerably elevates the costs of this technology. One solution to increase the electrolyser energy efficiency is coupling the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode with alternative oxidation reactions, such as the partial oxidation of organic molecules containing the aldehyde group. The partial electrooxidation of aldehydes like furfural or formaldehyde can reduce the cell voltage by more than 1 V and it releases hydrogen at the anode. This project aims to prepare transition metal alloys for the partial oxidation of formaldehyde and biomass-derived furfural, coupled with the hydrogen evolution reaction for the anodic and cathodic co-production of hydrogen.

The project will address the alloy composition and structure effects on the catalyst´s stability and activity, especially during the partial oxidation of the aldehyde molecules. The project will also evaluate the effect of using different electrolytes and salt concentrations on the catalytic properties of the prepared materials. The alloys will be prepared using electroplating methods and characterized with electrochemical, electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates that have:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Chemistry or Physics with a background in catalysis. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated experimental experience in electrocatalysis and organic electrosynthesis.
• Experience in the electrochemical characterization of extended surfaces such as metallic and carbon electrodes.
• Experience with gas-chromatography and liquid chromatography for the product detection of organic compounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, since this is required in the daily work.
• You are also cooperative, communicative, self-motivated and high quality oriented.

Preferred qualifications:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Experience in the field of Electrocatalysis, Electrosynthesis and/and Organic Chemistry.
• Teaching abilities and awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues with specific focus on gender equality.
• Collaborative abilities

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

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