PhD student in fuel cell electrode activity and stability

Access to CO2-free, efficient and clean energy is one of our society's major challenges. In this project we perform research for next generation fuel cells, which can enable a large-scale use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. The position will involve collaboration locally, nationally as well as internationally, with both academic and industrial partners.

Information about the project
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are currently being developed and deployed, e.g. by the automotive industry, as an alternative to fossil fuel combustion engines. In the fuel cell, chemical energy in a fuel, often hydrogen, is converted to electricity in an electrochemical reaction. Fuel cells with hydrogen as energy carrier has the potential to provide CO2-free and clean energy with zero emissions. However, fuel cells need to become cheaper, have longer lifetime and be composed of sustainable materials in order to be used on a truly large scale. This project will focus on material aspects of fuel cell electrodes with the aim to increase life time and minimize the use of scarce and expensive metals for the next generation of PEM fuel cells.

The PhD position will be located at the division of Chemical Physics at the department of Physics. This position will be focused on experimental studies of new catalyst materials and degradation mechanisms of low-temperature PEM fuel cell catalysts and be conducted in close collaboration with other research groups in a dynamic and international environment striving for scientific excellence through teamwork between researchers active in the fields of catalysis.

This position is within the Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK), which is an interdisciplinary research centre for heterogeneous catalysis at Chalmers. We contribute to a sustainable energy and transport system with new catalytic technology. The main activities are focused on energy conversion and emission control, and integrated with the research at the departments of Physics, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The projects are conducted in collaboration with the member companies ECAPS, Johnson Matthey, Perstorp, Powercell, Preem, Scania CV, Umicore and Volvo Group.

This advertisement is part of a concerted Phd call where the Department of Physics is hiring five Phd students. The other available positions can be found here.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as PhD student is to perform research within the project at Chemical Physics. Collaboration with theoretical and experimental efforts in the division of Chemical Physics at Chalmers and with collaborating groups at other universities and with companies is also included in the position. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry and the public sector.

Qualifications
(1) MSc in Physics, Material Science or Chemistry, or MSc in engineering Physics, Material Science or Chemistry, not older than two years
(2) Expertise in experimental work in Physics, Material Science or Chemistry
(3) Good communication skills in written and spoken English
(4) Able to work independently as well as in teams and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Read more and apply here
Application deadline: 28th November, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Björn Wickman, Chemical Physics
E-mail: bjorn.wickman@chalmers.se, phone: +46317725179

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***