PhD in Electrode development for acid-base flow batteries

Introduction

Do you want to develop sustainable energy storage solutions for the future Do you want to use your curiosity technical knowledge and enthusiasm to contribute to the UN sustainability goals and create a sustainable world In our multidisciplinary research team we have a PhD vacancy in Electrode development for acid-base flow batteries.

Join our team to improve and design in close cooperation with Aquabattery an affordable safe and sustainable long-duration energy battery based on abundant materials. This innovative aqueous acid-base flow battery was awarded the most innovative battery concept at theEuropean Sustainable Energy Innovation Award 2025.

Job Description

Your Project

In the years to come solar and wind will dominate global electricity production. But renewable energy supply is not constant - sunlight fades wind slows. To safeguard 24/7 energy availability and flexibility in generation and supply long-duration energy storage systems are essential. This allows society to store excess renewable energy for hours days or even seasons and use it when needed. Long-duration energy storage systems are crucial to building a fully sustainable society and making green power available whenever we need it.

Flow batteries store electricity as chemical energy. The acid-base battery is a flow battery that stores excess energy in aqueous solutions of acid base and salt each kept in a separate tank. To store and generate power the solutions are pumped through a membrane stack. This technology currently relies on expensive metallic electrodes that generate H2 and O2 when NaOH is used as the electrode rinse solution. With our research team you will explore alternative porous electrode materials and redox couples to improve performance durability and cost of acid-base technology.

You will investigate the kinetics of the relevant redox reactions on multiple electrode surfaces to unravel the relationship between chemical composition and performance using a wide variety of electrochemical and analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction XPS SEM-EDX and in situ Raman and IR during electrocatalytic experiments. The performance of the selected materials will be investigated in the lab and in a pilot scale.

The research team

You will perform your PhD research in a multidisciplinary research team. The Electrocatalytic Synthesis and Electrochemical Interfaces (ESEI) is a vibrant research group focused on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalyzed reactions relevant to a clean sustainable future. Our primary interest lies in the interface of heterogeneous catalysis and materials design with a strong emphasis on elucidating the mechanism of (electro)catalytic reactions. The electrochemistry teams research is devoted to electrocatalysis and electro(catalytic)synthesis for sustainable processes and the production of high-value chemicals such as fuels and organic molecules from waste substrates for example carbon dioxide and biomass. The main aim is to understand develop and optimize electrochemical reactions under practical relevant conditions to take a step further in the usage of electrochemistry at the industrial scale.

The research will be performed in close collaboration with the industrial partner AquaBattery (). The research team is complemented with another PhD student working on the development of bipolar membranes for enhanced water splitting and recombination for energy storage using electrospinning and both PhD students will work closely together.

Job Requirements

• We are looking for a talented motivated and enthusiastic researcher
• Preferably candidates have a strong background and interest in both chemistry and chemical engineering with experience in electrochemistry physical chemistry and/or materials engineering.
• Candidates must have a scientific and research-oriented attitude combined with a hands-on mentality and interest in application-oriented research in collaboration with the industry
• Analytical skills initiative and creativity are valuable properties
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• You are a naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• Excellent communication skills in English are a prerequisite (C1 level).
• We prefer candidates with a good team spirit who like to work in an internationally oriented social environment.

An interview a scientific presentation and a writing assignment are part of the selection procedure.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful green campus within walking distance of the central train addition we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme paid pregnancy and maternity leave partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities scale P (min. 3059 - max. 3881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure on-campus childrens day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring managerMarta Costa Figueiredo Assistant Professor .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contactMedea Weertman .

Curious to hear more about what its like as a PhD candidate at TU/e Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.