Postdoc Position development of protonic ceramic cell technology PtX and fuel cell appli

Postdoc Position on development of protonic ceramic cell technology for PtX and fuel cell applications

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Protonic ceramic cells (PCC) have transformative potential as an electrochemical platform, capable of operating both as efficient fuel cells for power generation and as electrolysis cells for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals using green electricity. Their intermediate operating temperatures of 400–600°C combined with similar class‑leading efficiencies of higher temperature solid oxide cells (SOC) enable them to ease material and balance‑of‑plant constraints.

In electrolysis mode, and in contrast to SOCs, steam and H₂ are separated into different compartments in PCCs, which means various hydrogenation reactions can be performed in the H₂ compartment within the cell. For instance, electrochemical conversion of N₂ to NH₃ and CO₂ to CO and/or CH₄ using only steam as an additional feedstock have already been demonstrated using PCCs.

In this postdoctoral position, you will contribute to the development, characterisation and testing of protonic ceramic cell technology across both Power‑to‑X and power generation applications. A significant part of your time will be dedicated to the development of novel pressurised protonic ceramic cell concepts for Power‑to‑X, targeting selective electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to chemicals such as methanol and olefins, as well as N₂ to ammonia.

As part of this, you will contribute to the pressurised tubular cell test setup currently being developed in the group. Operating PCCs at elevated pressures is a promising route to improve selectivity towards higher‑value products and to enable more efficient downstream integration, but it introduces new challenges across cell fabrication, sealing, transport phenomena and electrocatalysis that you will help address.

Alongside this, you will also work on fuel‑flexible protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs), capable of operating on a range of hydrogen‑containing fuels.

Beyond these focal topics, as an experienced experimentalist you will actively contribute to other projects in the group on high‑temperature electrochemistry, spanning both protonic ceramic and solid oxide electrochemical cells, and share in group responsibilities including the mentoring of PhD, Master and Bachelor students. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with academic and industrial partners across the group’s various projects.

• You have a PhD in chemical engineering, chemistry, applied physics or a related field.
• You have a strong track record and hands‑on experience in experimental high‑temperature electrochemistry.
  Experience with protonic ceramic tubular cells is preferred.
• You have solid experience in electrochemical characterisation, with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) being a must, alongside i‑V testing and gas‑phase product analysis (MS, GC).
• You have experience with materials and microstructural characterisation techniques such as SEM-EDX, XRD, Raman and/or DRIFTS.
• You are self‑driven and able to work independently, but also happy to contribute to a team effort in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
• You are willing to mentor PhD, Master and Bachelor students in the group and help out with group responsibilities.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with external parties from academia and industry in regular meetings and work visits.

• You will be appointed for a period of 24 months full‑time within a very stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO‑NU).
• Gross salary between €4.241 and €5.538 per month depending on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year‑end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.
• Free access to sports…