PhD Position AEM Water Electrolysis

How to develop technologies for affordable green hydrogen?

Job description
Green hydrogen, produced via water electrolysis using renewable electricity, is one of the cleanest fuels and chemicals. The ambitions for producing green hydrogen are huge; EU wants to use 20 million tonnes of green hydrogen in 2030, which is over 100x more than the current worldwide installation capacity. To achieve this rapid growth, we need to make the electrolyzer technology robust and energy-efficient. Within the HyPRO project, part of the GroenvermogenNL growth fund, we are working jointly with academia and industry to accelerate the improvements in electrolyzer technology and valorize the knowledge on electrolysis phenomena in technology.

This vacancy will focus on Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEM WE). While AEM WE is less mature than other electrolysis technologies, it potentially combines the advantages of earth-abundant electrode materials (due to working at alkaline environment) and allowing to dynamically operate (due to the low crossover in the dense membrane). However, more understanding is needed for its stability and energy efficiency. In this project, we will focus on enhancing the contact between the electrode materials and anion exchange membrane, to minimize energy losses and create a robust reaction environment. You will explore the use of different ionomer structures and ionomer integrations, and develop design strategies to enhance the stability and efficiency of the AEM WE cell. You will make use of in-operando measurement techniques to map the water management and local concentrations, to better understand the reaction environment and local mass transport.

In this PhD project, you will collaborate closely with 4 PhD’s, 9 postdocs and 15 industrial partners working on AEM WE within the HyPRO project. Your daily operation is in the David Vermaas research group, where our group of ~10 PhD’s and postdocs are working together and sharing work on electrochemical flow systems, including applications of electrolysis, water technology, CO2 capture and flow batteries. The work will also contribute to TU Delft’s e-Refinery institute on electrochemical synthesis that includes >20 principal investigators across the campus, where electrochemical advances are used and valorised in upscaled prototypes, in collaboration with industrial partners.

This PhD position offers:

• Challenging job in a highly innovative technology field
• Embedding in an enthusiastic team of engineers and researchers
• A funded PhD position for 4 years

Requirements
We’re looking for a candidate with:

• A MSc degree, in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, process technology, chemistry, material engineering, applied physics or similar.
• An excellent track record in terms of grades and university background
• Experience with performing experimental work
• Experience in working with electrochemical systems is considered a plus
• Experience in working with polymers is considered a plus
• Pro-active and creative mind-set
• Fluent in English. Speaking Dutch is a plus
• Starting date to be determined later, expected between Jan 2025 and May 2025

TU Delft creates equal opportunities and encourages women to apply.     

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact David Vermaas, via D.A.Vermaas@tudelft.nl

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 Dec 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A detailed resume (1-3 pages)
• A one-page motivation letter that is specific to this vacancy
• Contact information of at least 2 references (name + e-mail)

You can address your application to David Vermaas. The vacancy will remain open until December 20. Early candidates will be assessed (and possibly invited) before the position closes.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

32 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5