PhD student in proton conducting materials
Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB / Högskolejobb / Göteborg
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hela Sverige Visa alla jobb hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB i Göteborg The successful candidate will take a key role in developing new materials concepts of relevance for more efficient PEM fuel cells. The exciting aspect of this project is being part of the bigger context of the competence center TechForH2, which involves many non-academic partners and a number of other PhD students and postdoctoral fellows. Interactions with these people and the access to a diversity of competences makes this PhD position rather unique.
Information about the research
PEM fuel cells are attracting huge attention due to the key role that they can play in the decarbonization of many important sectors, such as industry, transport and heating. PEM fuel cells for use in vehicles are already quite mature and to some extent commercialized, yet there are technical aspects that may be improved. For instance, the materials used in a PEM fuel cell are rare (e.g. Pt as the catalyst) and expensive (e.g. perfluorinated polymer membranes for the conduction of protons), while the need to keep the fuel cell cool during operation makes voluminous ancillary parts necessary (e.g. humidification, compression and pumping & electronic devices).
In this project, we search solutions for an efficient proton conduction at temperatures above 80 °C by investigating liquid binary mixtures based on water and heterocyclic compounds as well as by studying the effect of nanoconfinement once these proton conducting liquids reside in the narrow channels of porous inorganic materials. The research project is purely experimental and foresees the use of several techniques, such as vibrational spectroscopy, (diffusion) NMR, calorimetry and X-ray scattering, as well as organic synthesis.
Information about the division and the department
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is one of the largest departments at Chalmers. We represent a broad field of fundamental and applied research and education within chemistry and chemical engineering. Our research activities reach from fundamental chemistry, chemistry at the interface of biology and medicine, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, as well as theory and modelling. We are committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level.
Academic freedom, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and making societal impact, are key factors in our work. We strive to offer an environment where you can combine world leading research and teaching with a good work-life balance.
Major responsibilities
In this project, you will investigate the local structure and the transport properties in binary mixtures of water and heterocyclic compounds, including protic ionic liquids. The synthesis of new organic molecules is also foreseen in this project. Different experimental methods like vibrational and NMR spectroscopy, X-ray scattering, diffusion NMR and impedance spectroscopy will be used. A selection of porous inorganic materials, like large-pore zeolites, will also be considered and used to host the liquids in their narrow porous domains. If relevant, some of the materials will also be tested in H2/O2 fuel cells. Interested and competent persons from the transport industry will advice along the progress of this project.
Qualifications
A Master degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics, Chemistry, Materials science or related field, as well as excellent language skills in English are required. Specific qualifications of particular importance for the project include:
(a) Interest in using advanced experimental methods
(b) Interest in the synthesis of new organic molecules
(c) Skills in data analysis and ability to integrate high quality in this process
(d) Interest in writing scientific articles
(e) Ethical approach to research and collaboration
Contract terms
The position is for 4 years of research including approx one year of studies, while about 5% of the time will be dedicated to teaching duties or other services to the department.
We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230110 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus
Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master's thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.
Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Application deadline: 17 March, 2023
For questions, please contact:
Anna Martinelli, Applied Chemistry
anna.martinelli@chalmers.se, +46-31-772 3002
• ** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Ersättning enligt kollektivavtal
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2023-03-17
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB (org.nr 556479-5598)
Jobbnummer 7451285
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