Master Thesis - Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly - Manufacturing an...

At PowerCell we are working hard at delivering powerful hydrogen powered fuel cells and systems to our customers around the world. The demand for our products is steadily increasing and we’re at the forefront of fuel cell development. We believe in our tech and we believe in our people’s ability to deliver the best solutions for hydrogen fuel cells on the market, today and tomorrow.

PowerCell develops both fuel cell stacks and systems for various applications, where the continuous improvement of efficiency, performance and durability is crucial. The Membrane-Electrode-Assembly (MEA) is the core of a Proton-Exchange-Membrane (PEM) fuel cell and typically consists of a Catalyst-Coated-Membrane (CCM), a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a sealing material. Many properties of the fuel cell are determined by the components and interfaces present in the MEA and thus the choice of materials and process routes for MEA Assembly is of utmost importance to drive the development towards highly efficient, durable and cost-competitive fuel cell technology. To gain further insight into the components and assembly parameters influencing the final MEA, we are looking for a Master Thesis Student to support us in the development process. The following tasks for this project will be performed in the development laboratory in Gothenburg:

- Assemble MEA’s from semi-finished components
- Characterize semi-finished components and assembled MEA’s
- Develop understanding regarding the component combination and assembly parameters affecting the final MEA


Required qualifications:

- Successful participation in a M.Sc. program in chemical engineering, process engineering, materials science, energy technology or similar
- Self-driven, highly engaged, and motivated personality, with a strong problem-solving approach
- Practical experience of working in a laboratory
- Fluent in English, both oral and written


Additional desirable qualifications:

- Knowledge regarding catalytic processes
- Knowledge regarding fluid media flow in thin, porous structures
- Knowledge regarding polymer technology
- Knowledge regarding adhesive technology
- PEM fuel cell catalyst and stack knowledge and/or experimental experience
- Experience from an international and multi-language environment
- Swedish language skills