3 Oct 2023
Job InformationOrganisation/Company
Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Department
Department of Surface and Plasma Science
Research Field
Physics » Applied physics
Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
Physics » Surface physics
Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country
Czech Republic
Application Deadline
20 Dec 2023 - 23:59 (Europe/Prague)
Type of Contract
Temporary
Job Status
Full-time
Hours Per Week
40
Offer Starting Date
1 Feb 2024
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer DescriptionFunded PhD position at Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Surface and Plasma Science, Nanomaterials Group
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Institution: Charles University
Group: https: // nano.mff.cuni.cz/nanomaterials-group
Scholarship: 1100 EUR/month scholarship
Duration: 4 years (48 months)
Supervisor: Dr. Peter Kúš
Annotation:
A water electrolyzer (WE) is an electrochemical cell that converts electrical energy to chemical energy by means of the endergonic reaction 2H2O + electrical energy -> O2 + 2H2. The conversion of electricity to another form of energy and its consequent storage is a very important topic in the context of the utilization of renewable but intermittent energy sources (e.g., sun and wind).
Anode Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers present a crucial step in building the Hydrogen economy, as they combine the advantages of Alkaline electrolyzers (non-noble catalysts) and Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers (high efficiencies, variability, compact design). Finding a sufficiently active, stable, and non-noble catalyst for the anode and cathode side of the AEM-WE is one of the leading research goals in the field.
The Ni-Fe/Ni-Co alloys etc. have shown remarkable performance for the anodic oxygen evolution reaction, even in pure water – many catalysts work only in the KOH electrolyte. However, the exact understanding of the Ni, Co, and Fe- based catalysts is still missing.
The objective of this dissertation thesis is to build on the prospective results of the Nanomaterials Group, predominantly in the area of novel catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction. Magnetron sputtered thin-film catalysts, typically with a structure of Ni,Co,Fe/porous sublayer will be studied with emphasis on the stability and activity dependence on morphology and defect density. Layers of various compositions and morphologies will be prepared with the goal of identifying the ideal structural parameters in terms of both durability and activity. Wide arsenal of analytical methods will be available, ranging from electrochemical testing through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to electron microscopy. A great focus will be laid on the operando variants of those methods.
Tasks:
1) Bibliographic research.
2) Getting acquainted with the experimental methods.
3) Preparation of a series of thin-film catalysts for AEM-WE.
4) Characterization of prepared samples and study of their properties.
5) Evaluation of the results and publishing research papers.
6) Writing the dissertation.
References:
1 Li W, Tian H, Ma L, Wang Y, Liu X, Gao X. Low-temperature water electrolysis: fundamentals, progress, and new strategies. Mater Adv 2022;3:5598–644. https: // doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00185C.
2 Xiao L, Zhang S, Pan J, Yang C, He M, Zhuang L, et al. First implementation of alkaline polymer electrolyte water electrolysis working only with pure water. Energy Environ Sci 2012;5:7869–71. https: // doi.org/10.1039/c2ee22146b.
3 Saveleva, V. A. et al. Uncovering the Stabilization Mechanism in Bimetallic Ruthenium-Iridium Anodes for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 7 , 3240–3245 (2016).
4 W. Li, H. Tian, L. Ma, Y. Wang, X. Liu, X. Gao, Low-temperature water electrolysis: fundamentals, progress, and new strategies, Mater Adv. 3 (2022) 5598–5644. https: // doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00185C.
RequirementsResearch Field
Physics » Applied physics
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field
Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
We are looking for a motivated, independent, English speaking candidate who holds a master degree in physics or chemistry.
Specific Requirements
Candidate should preferably have a background in experimental physics or chemistry and interest in electrochemistry.
Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Good
Research Field
Physics » Applied physicsChemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
Years of Research Experience
1 - 4
Benefits
1100 EUR/month scholarship (48 months)
Eligibility criteria
Candidate has to be eligible to get a study permit in European Union.
Selection process
Based on the provided CVs and Cover Letters the perspective candidates will be invited for the video call interview.
Website for additional job details
https: // nano.mff.cuni.cz/nanomaterials-group/thesis/investigation-of- sputtered-…
Work Location(s)Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Country
Czech Republic
City
Prague
Postal Code
18000
Street
V Holesovickach 2
City
Prague
Website
https: // nano.mff.cuni.cz/nanomaterials-group
https: // www. mff.cuni.cz/en
Street
Ke Karlovu 3
Postal Code
12116
STATUS: EXPIRED