Post-Doctoral Researcher : development of electrodes for enzymatic electrolyzers

16 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

UNIVERSITY OF LIEGE

Department

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

31 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Jul 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

Yes

Offer Description

Context and goal

In the framework of a project led by the H2WIN company, the Department of Chemical Engineering recruits a post-doctoral researcher with a strong background in (electro)chemistry and/or materials and interface science.

The general aim of the project is to develop and validate a new technology of electrolyzer based on enzymatic catalysis, in order to improve electrolysis yield and decrease its costs. In that ambit, the H2WIN company has developed a process for enzyme production. After thorough characterization and measurement of their catalytic activity, these specific enzymes need to be properly incorporated within the structure of a Membrane-Electrodes Assembly (using PEM-type membranes as electrolyte) so as to be used in a final electrolysis cell. The final goal is to validate the behavior of the enzymes at both anode and cathode within a complete electroenzymatical cell in order to develop a full electrolysis device. If possible, and in a further step, the materials and methods will be adapted to a PEM fuel cell system for power generation, using appropriate enzymes.

Role of the research engineer

The main role of the hired researcher will be to manufacture and characterize the electrodes and the Membrane-Electrode Assemblies from its constituents. The first step will be to select the appropriate materials (besides the enzymes) to build the electrodes, starting from ink formulation using components and conditions compatible with the use of the specific enzymes produced by H2WIN. Fundamental characterization of enzymes/support material interfaces and catalytic activity in simplified environment will be performed in collaboration with another laboratory in Belgium. The second step will be to assemble the electrodes together with the chosen membrane and then to compare the enzymes’ behavior under that configuration with that obtained at fundamental level. Finally, the researcher will contribute to the design of the final device including the developed MEAs.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

PhD in Engineering or Sciences with a focus on electrochemistry, enzymatic catalysis or materials/interface science

Specific Requirements

Detailed CV and a motivation letter highlighting skills and interests related to this specific project (H2WIN project)

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Good

Research Field

Engineering » Chemical engineering

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Internal Application form(s) needed
Job_offer_HELENE.pdf
English
(141.7 KB - PDF)
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Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Liège, Chemical Engineering Department

Country

Belgium

City

Liège

Postal Code

4000

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Liège

City

Liège (Sart Tilman)

Website

https://www.chemeng.uliege.be

Street

Allée du Six Août, 11-13

Postal Code

4000

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

003243664426

STATUS: EXPIRED