PhD position ultrathin palladium membranes selective H2 removal

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting‑edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well‑being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The position will be in the research group Hydrogen Spectroscopy, which is part of the Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems Laboratory  laboratory conducts, develops and optimizes processes for renewable fuels. The group “Hydrogen Spectroscopy” is further involved in hydrogen science & technology such as power‑to‑gas, membrane science and surface science.

The aim of the project is to develop ultra‑thin transition metal membranes on porous graphene. The gas transport mechanisms, including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance contributed by the chemisorption of H2 in the membranes will be analyzed. Finally, the membranes will be investigated in membrane‑reactors to improve the yield of hydrogenation reactions. The project is a joint project at EPFL Sion and Empa Dübendorf.

• Fabricate ultra‑thin transition metal membranes at EPFL Sion.
• Deposit the transition over porous graphene to overcome issues related to pinholes and grain‑boundary defects.
• Investigate binary and ternary Pd‑alloys (e.g., Pd, Ag) to improve chemical stability.
• Analyze gas transport mechanisms, including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance contributed by chemisorption in thin transition metal/graphene membranes at Empa.
• Perform membrane reactor experiments to study the effect of membranes on hydrogenation reactions.
• Participate in teaching duties as defined by UZH, Department of Chemistry.

The position is immediately available for a candidate with a master’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in physics, physical chemistry or materials science. Experience in surface science and hydrogen technology is advantageous. The ideal candidate has an independent, target‑ and solution‑driven work attitude, inter‑ and multidisciplinary thinking, and a strong motivation and interest to join an ambitious interdisciplinary research team with integrative and cooperative personality.

Travelling between the research institutions is mandatory. Excellent English knowledge (written and oral) is required;
German is an advantage.

We offer an interesting research environment with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.