Two PhD studentships - Development of New Electrocatalysts for Low or Intermediate Temperature Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Lyngby-Taarbæk, 2 stillinger

Two PhD positions at DTU are available for a close collaboration with Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Korea who will match the initiative by also investing in two PhD stipends. The idea is to have a focussed initiative on developing new and efficient Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) between KAIST and DTU and the candidates are expected to have a one year mutual exchange. It is moreover anticipated that the PhD students in the two countries establish and maintain a close direct contact enabling efficient collaboration throughout the project. Both PhD positions will investigate routes for improving in particular the cathode catalyst for oxygen reduction in low temperature fuel cells. These devices hold promise as a zero emission source of power, particularly suitable for automotive use. However, their widespread deployment is contingent on improvements to the efficiency and stability of the Pt-based alloy catalysts. This is part of a lager inter-disciplinary initiative in between companies and DTU. One of the stipends in Denmark will be at the Department of Physics at CINF see http://www.energy.dtu.dk.



CINF is located at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). It is characteristic of CINF that experiment and theory are carried out on an equal footing. The students will be able to take full advantage of the broad expertise and large number of personnel working in these fields of investigation at CINF ranging from surface science on single crystals to testing high area catalyst materials. The work will be focus on the synthesis, testing and characterisation of the catalysts using the facilities in-house at CINF. This is a part of Department of Physics general strategy for energy conversion and storage. For more information, please contact Ib Chorkendorff, ibchork@fysik.dtu.dk.



Section for Proton Conductors at Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is located at the main Campus of DTU in Lyngby. The section is involved in the development of both fuel cells and electrolyzers in the temperature range 80–400 °C. Within fuel cells based on phosphoric acid doped polybenzimidazole, we are among the leading research groups in the world. Alkaline electrolysis is a more recent field under expansion within the group. The research approach is purely experimental and activities take place in close collaboration with industry and other universities. For more information, please contact Jens-Oluf Jensen, jojen@dtu.dk.



Both groups consist of more than 20 scientists, PhD students and technicians. There is a social, open and transparent scientific environment and you will be working in modern, well-equipped laboratories in an international setting with a large part of the staff from outside Denmark.



Qualifications

The successful candidates will have obtained excellent grades in his/her Bachelor and Masters degrees. He/she should also be well-motivated, hardworking, willing and able to work as part of a team. Furthermore the candidates must be prepared for a one year exchange stay at KAIST in Korea.



Candidates for the PhD positions should have a Masters’ degree in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or equivalent skills.



Approval and Enrolment of PhD Students

The scholarship for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrollment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.



Salary and appointment terms

The salary and appointment terms of the PhD position are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.



The positions must start no later than 15th of December 2015.



Further information

For further information about the research, please refer to http://www.energy.dtu.dk.



Application

Your online application must be submitted no later than 23rd October 2015. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

•A letter motivating the application (cover letter)

•Curriculum vitae

•List of publications

•Copies of BSc and MSc degree diplomas, including transcript of grades. Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here).

•Names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of 2-3 references.



Research publications to be considered in the assessment must be attached as well.



Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.



All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.



DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.