PhD Electrolysis of alcohols for the co-production of H2 & value-added chemicals (1.0 FTE)

chemicals (1.0 FTE) (V23.0005)

In the Chemical Engineering group of the University of Groningen, we are looking for a PhD candidate for a project on the “Electrolysis of bio-based alcohols for the co-production of hydrogen and value-added chemicals.” Electrolysis plays a crucial role in boosting the energy transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon and carbon-free energy sources, as it offers the possibility of converting renewable resources such as H2O and biomass-derived compounds into fuels and valuable chemicals. Particularly, the production of hydrogen via electrolysis represents a promising route towards a sustainable energy supply, yet, research efforts are still needed to further develop and commercialize water electrolysis technologies. Two strategies to achieve this goal are (1) designing low cost, stable electrocatalytic materials that are highly efficient under industry-relevant operating conditions, and (2) coupling the production of hydrogen with a highly selective generation of value-added chemicals and fuels.

The activities of the PhD candidate will include the fabrication and characterization of electrocatalytic materials, as well as the evaluation of their activity towards the electrooxidation of bio-based alcohols (e.g. ethylene glycol or glycerol) under industry-relevant operating conditions. The PhD candidate will also evaluate the selectivity of these materials towards the formation of valuable chemicals and fuels. The goal of the PhD research is to gain in-depth understanding on how the composition of the electrode/electrolyte interface and the operating conditions impact the electrocatalyst performance. This understanding will be of key importance to evaluate and enhance the applicability of these electrocatalytic systems. Your supervisors will be Dr. Dulce M. Morales, Assist. Professor in Electrochemical Conversion of Renewable Resources to Chemicals and Fuels, and Prof. Dr. Paolo P. Pescarmona, Full. Prof. in Catalysis & Sustainability.

Responsibilities and tasks:

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The Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) is highly multidisciplinary in nature and focuses on fundamental and applied research on the development of new and innovative processes and products for a wide range of product sectors. Research activities are performed in the field of chemical and biochemical systems, mechanical and electric systems, and system networks.

We are looking for a motivated and skilled student with a MSc degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines. Background in electrochemistry and catalysis is appreciated. The successful candidate should have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, your application should include:

You may apply for this position until 31 January 11:59pm / before 1 February 2023 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Candidates are expected to start in April or May, 2023.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https: // www. rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and- strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/ Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https: // www. nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https: // euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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