Postdoc in nanostructure electrodeposition for hybrid water electrolysis

Job description

Water-splitting electrolysers powered by renewable electricity is a promising solution to produce green hydrogen fuel. However, the high voltage input required to drive the device considerably elevates the costs of this technology. One solution to increase the electrolyser energy efficiency is coupling the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode with alternative oxidation reactions, such as the partial oxidation of  organic molecules containing the aldehyde group.  The partial electrooxidation of aldehydes like furfural or formaldehyde can reduce the cell voltage by more than 1 V and it releases hydrogen at the anode. This project aims to prepare transition metal alloys for the partial oxidation of formaldehyde and biomass-derived furfural, coupled with the hydrogen evolution reaction for the anodic and cathodic co-production of hydrogen.

The project will address the alloy composition and structure effects on the catalyst´s stability and activity, especially during the partial oxidation of the aldehyde molecules. The project will also evaluate the effect of using different electrolytes and salt concentrations on the catalytic properties of the prepared materials.  The alloys will be prepared using electroplating methods and characterized with electrochemical, electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.

What we offer

• A position at a leading technical university that generates knowledge and skills for a sustainable future
• Engaged and ambitious colleagues along with a creative, international and dynamic working environment
• Work in Stockholm, in close proximity to nature
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH

Read more about what it is like to work at KTH

Qualifications

Requirements

We are looking for candidates that have:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in Chemistry och Physics with a background in catalysis. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated experimental experience in electrocatalysis and organic electrosynthesis.
• Experience in the electrochemical characterization of extended surfaces such as metallic and carbon electrodes.
• Experience with gas-chromatography and liquid chromatography for the product detection of organic compounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, since this is required in the daily work.

You are also cooperative, communicative, self-motivated and high quality oriented.

Preferred qualifications

We also prefer that you have:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
• Experience in the field of Electrocatalysis, Electrosynthesis and/and Organic Chemistry.
• Teaching abilities and awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues with specific focus on gender equality.
• Collaborative abilities

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH's webbpage.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply for this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad.

The application must include:

1. CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
2. Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
3. Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Max two pages long.
4. List of publications.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Others

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

The position may include security-sensitive activities. To become authorized, you therefore need to pass a possible security check.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

About KTH

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm has grown to become one of Europe’s leading technical and engineering universities, as well as a key centre of intellectual talent and innovation. We are Sweden’s largest technical research and learning institution and home to students, researchers and faculty from around the world. Our research and education covers a wide area including natural sciences and all branches of engineering, as well as architecture, industrial management, urban planning, history and philosophy. Read more here

1. Paula Sebastián Pascual, Assistant Professor, paulasp@kth.se