PhD student – Electrochemical characterization of novel materials and components for PEM electrolysis (m/f/d)

Research for a society in change: This is our drive at the Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we face the great social challenges of our time and explore interdisciplinary the digitized society, a climate-saving energy system and sustainable economy. Work together with nearly 7,700 colleagues in one of the largest research centres in Europe and shape the change with us! In the Institute of Energy Technologies – Basics of Electrochemistry (IET-1) we are researching highly topical topics about the energy transition and structural change. For example, we focus on the battery of the future and explore new battery concepts. How to make the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from the climate killer a raw material of the future is another exciting project we are dealing with. The aim of the research and development work is cost-effective batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers with improved energy and power density, longer service life and maximum safety! Hydrogen production based on renewable energy sources is of increasing importance by means of AEM and PEM electrolysis. Find out more about our mission and future-oriented projects: https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/iet/iet-1

Strengthen this range at the next time as PhD:in – Electrochemical Characterization of New Materials and Components for PEM Electrolysis (w/m/d)

Within the framework of a research project, novel materials, components and cell concepts for PEM water electrolysis are to be investigated for their efficiency and stability. In this context, processing, cell design and material selection must be optimized and their electrochemical properties must be extensively investigated. Special focus is on the membrane electrode unit (MEA) as a central functional component of the PEM electrolyzer. With the help of the extensive testing and characterization infrastructure at IET‐1, fundamental structure-effect relationships for the performance and long-term stability of the electrolyzers are to be established for different material and cell configurations. Your tasks in detail:

Processing (electrode coating) and optimization of membrane electrode units (MEA) with conventional and novel fluorine-free membranes, fluorine-free ionomers and catalyst materials for anode and cathode

Further development and validation of existing electrolysis test stands

Quantitative determination of hydrogen and oxygen crossover under various operating conditions and analysis of the relationships between crossover behavior, membrane type and electrode architecture

Investigation of electrical and physicochemical performance indicators and derivation of structural, performance and stability relationships

Development of diagnostic methods for monitoring the operating state of electrolysis cells

Planning and implementation of ex-situ characterizations (X-ray tomography, electron microscopy, etc.) on fresh and degraded samples in cooperation with appropriate experts:

Presentation and publication of results in scientific lectures, dissertation and journals

Master's degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or process engineering, chemistry, material sciences or a related field

Basic knowledge in the field of electrolyzers, fuel cells or electrochemistry

Basic programming knowledge (e.g. Python) of advantage

Motivation for careful experimental work in the laboratory and for data analysis and interpretation of scientific results

Very good knowledge of English, both oral and written (at least B2 level according to the GER: https://go.fzj.de/language), ideally proven by a certificate

Self-employed and responsible work

High level of team capacity and joy in cooperative cooperation

We work on highly topical socially relevant topics and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! We support you in your work: TEAM & UMFELD: You work in a motivated team with international and interdisciplinary orientation – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE: An excellent scientific and technical equipment is available for your work CONTROL & COMPETITION: On your doctoral course you will receive a continuous and professionally sound accompaniment by your:n scientific:n supervisor:in WORK-LIFE-BALANCE: With us you have the possibility of flexible working time design that supports the reconciliation of work and private life. In addition, there is the possibility of (local)flexible work, which is given in principle after consultation and in accordance with the pending tasks and (local) appointments. URLAUB: You will get 30 days on holiday with us WISSEN & WEITER EDUCATION: Your further development is important to us – we promote you in a targeted and individual way, for example through training and networking offers specifically for doctoral researchers (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs_de DIRECTIVE: Compensation is carried out analogously to the remuneration group 13 (75 %) of the public service collective agreement (TVöD-Bund) plus 75 % of a monthly salary as a special payment (“Christmas money”). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI page: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. Please find the monthly fees in Euro on page 69 ff. of the PDF download BENEFIT: The position is limited to 3 years In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial team, we offer you a lot more: https://go.fzj.de/Benefits We are pleased to receive applications from people with diverse backgrounds, such as age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity and social, ethnic and religious origin. A competitive, diverse and inclusive working environment in which all their potentials can be realized is important to us.

For further information on diversity and opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/diversitaet and targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-women