Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg | Germany | 79xxx Freiburg | Part time - flexible | Published since: 06.08.2026 on stepstone.de
PhD-position in electrode/catalyst development for PFAS-free fuel cells (m/f/d)
PhD position in electrode/catalyst development for PFAS-free fuel cells (m/f/d) Part-time position (80%), start date: At the last possible date PFAS ("forever chemicals") are valued across countless industries for their heat resistance and remarkable stability. They are therefore state-of-the-art in proton-conducting membranes and electrodes for fuel cells, a technology gaining serious traction in heavy-duty trucking. But that same stability that makes PFAS attractive for different applications makes them persistent in the environment: they've been detected in soil, water, air, and even human and animal tissue, and have been linked to health concerns. Thus, the fuel cell industry increasingly needs viable, PFAS-free alternatives. This is aligned the challenge we are tackling in the CORAL-HC project. Promising radical-based ionomers have recently emerged as candidates that can match PFAS performance. However, the catalysts and electrodes architectures that work so well with PFAS materials don't simply transfer to this new material class. Fundamental questions about how catalyst, carbon support, and predominantly ionomer interact still need to be told from scratch. To address this, we will use atomic layer deposition (ALD) to design and fine-tune catalysts specific for predominantly ionomers. ALD's ability to deposit ultrathin, highly controlled layers of platinum atom by atom offers a unique lever for aligning the size, distribution, and local environment of platinum particles on the carbon support. This precision will allow us to systematically rehearse how catalyst composition performance in combination with predominantly ionomers, and to engineer catalysts that are optimized for this new material class rather than simply adapted from PFAS-based systems. .
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Your tasks • Your profile • What we offer
Adapt and optimize atomic layer deposition (ALD) protocols to deposit platinum nanoparticles with controlled size, distribution, and local environment on porous carbon supports tailored to the specific requirements of carbon ionomers Develop over and under-coatings to improve stability and activity of the catalysts Characterize catalyst structure and morphology using techniques such as electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), X-ray diffraction, and surface area/porosity analysis (e.g., BET) Fabricate and replace catalyst-ionomer composite electrodes, eliminate ionomer-to-carbon ratios and catalysts Integrate the developed electrodes into fuel cell devices Conduct electrochemical characterization (e.g., fuel cell measurements, cyclic voltammetry, ECSA measurements) to assess catalyst and electrode performance in combination with HC ionomers Investigate the interplay between catalyst structure, Pt distribution, and HC ionomer properties (e.g., gas diffusion, water uptake) to identify performance-limiting mechanisms Collaborate close with project partners, developing new carbon supports and HC ionomer materials to co-optimize catalyst and ionomer design Contribute to the development of improved electrode recipes and fabrication processes based on experimental findings Analyze and interpret experimental data, and translate insights into design guidelines for next-generation catalyst-ionomer systems Document results and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations Present research progress at project meetings and cooperation with an interdisciplinary team
Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field Strong background in electrochemistry, materials characterization, or catalysis; experience with fuel cells or related electrochemical energy conversion systems is a plus Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work, specifically with thin-film deposition techniques (e.g., ALD, CVD, sputtering) is highly desirable, or strong motivation to acquire this expertise Familiarity with characterization techniques such as electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), XRD, or surface area analysis (BET) is an advantage Experience with electrochemical characterization methods (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, concentration curves) is beneficial Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex experimental data and translate it into actionable insights Genuine interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials science, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy technologies Strong communication skills and the ability to interact effectively within an interdisciplinary team Independent, structured, and hands-on working style, excellent team spirit Good written and spoken English; German language skills are a plus, but not required Prior experience with scientific writing and a track record of (or strong interest in) publishing in peer-reviewed journals
Funded PhD position within a collaborative research project involving industry partners Excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary “electrochemical energy systems-, characterized by a supportive, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment for electrolysis research and advanced materials development A planned PhD duration of three years (80 % TV-L E13, according to the German public service pay scale) An international working environment with English or German as the working language Ideal starting date: October/November 2026 Family-friendly workplace with flexible working hours
Location
 | Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg | |
| 79098 Freiburg | ||
| Germany |
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