PhD position on electrochemical synthesis of ammonia in ceramic membrane reactors

In the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), we are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student for the development and evaluation of (electro)catalysts for electrochemical ammonia synthesis from sustainable sources in ceramic electrochemical reactors.

What are you going to do?

Ammonia is not only a key-chemical for sustaining global population, but also an intriguing carbon-free energy carrier. Ammonia, however, is the most energy intensive commodity chemical, responsible for 1-2% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions worldwide. The PhD project will support the efforts for creating innovative electrochemical membrane reactors that produce sustainable ammonia at high efficiency for decentralized applications. The PhD research will be part of the 20.3 Meuros HyNITROGEN project (https://groenvermogennl.org/rd/werkpakket-5/) of the National Growthfund GroenvermogenNL. This unique consortium brings together more than 40 companies, universities and research institutes, covering the entire value chain.

Responsibilities and tasks:

• Synthesis and characterization of electrocatalysts at intermediate and high temperatures.

• Fabrication of single cells with targeted characteristics.

• Characterization of materials and relevant interfaces for their role in the reaction mechanisms.

• Preparation of scientific articles and conference communications.

• Teaching activities (10% of total workload), including assistance to courses, as well as supervision of Bachelor and Master students.

• Contribution to the scientific and collaborative research environment in Chemical Engineering group and the ENTEG institute.