Abundant and Inexpensive Electro-Catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Systems

27 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institut Lavoisier de Versailles

Research Field

Technology » Materials technology
Chemistry

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Leading Researcher (R4)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

France

Application Deadline

21 Jun 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Nov 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?

No

Offer Description

Context:

The high costs of noble metal-based electro-catalysts, such as platinum and iridium, pose a challenge for the large-scale deployment of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers (PEM technology) for the generation of green hydrogen. To address this challenge, we propose to develop HER and OER electro-catalysts based on abundant elements, specifically using oxo-metalate matrices doped with catalytically active units, such as cobalt ions for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and {Mo3 S4 } units for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). This approach should allow us to exploit the high stability of oxo-metalate matrices in acidic environments as well as their electrochemical properties. The thesis project is based on three objectives: i) develop fundamental knowledge on the formation of doped oxo-metalate matrices, ii) continue the development of HER catalysts and evaluate the best candidates in semi-pilot PEM electrolyzers (in collaboration with an industry partner), and iii) develop and evaluate the performance of the first OER catalysts obtained from doping oxo-metalate matrices.

 

Objectives:

The thesis aims to exploit the advantages offered by oxo-metalate matrices, particularly in terms of stability in acidic environments, electrochemical properties, and acid-base properties, to develop simple catalytic materials through the polycondensation of metalate ions in the presence of catalytically active entities, such as the {Mo3 S4 } unit for proton reduction or the presence of cobalt centers for water oxidation. This project represents a significant advancement towards the development of efficient and scalable catalytic materials for practical applications, capitalizing on the synergistic effects of the different components incorporated into the catalytic materials. Additionally, during the polycondensation and growth processes of doped oxo-metalate matrices, it is possible to incorporate conductive carbon nanomaterials (carbon black, nanotubes…), which should result in improved electro-catalytic properties of the doped oxo-metalate matrices. The thesis aims to cover the aspects of these particularly innovative catalytic systems, from their formation through soft chemistry processes (inorganic polycondensation in aqueous medium) to interfacing with carbon-based nanomaterials, and finally to integration within PEM electrolyzers.

 

This research program should therefore address several scientific and technological challenges. We set three objectives. The first objective is to develop fundamental knowledge on the formation processes of doped oxo-metalate matrices (control of composition, structure, microstructure, and interfacing with carbon nanomaterials. This first part will involve multi-scale characterizations using XRD, SAXS, TEM, Raman, Infrared, NMR and EXAFS. The second objective is to continue the development of our HER catalysts and evaluate the best candidates within semi-pilot PEM electrolyzers (collaboration envisaged with an industry partner). The final objective is to develop and evaluate the performance of our first OER catalysts obtained from the doping of oxo-metalate matrices with cobalt ions.

 

References:

(1)           Chatenet, M. et al Chem. Soc. Rev. 2022, 51 (11), 4583–4762.

(2)           An, L. et al Advanced Materials 2021, 33 (20), 2006328.

(3)           Blasco-Ahicart, M. et al Nature Chemistry 2018, 10 (1), 24–30.

(4)           Arens, J. T. et al Journal of Catalysis 2020, 389, 345–351.

(5)           Tourneur, J. et al J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2019, 141, 11954–11962.

(6)           Smortsova, Y. et al Chem. Eur. J. 2021, 27 (68), 17094–17103.

Funding category: Contrat doctoral
ANR
PHD Country: France

Requirements
Specific Requirements

The candidate must hold a Master's degree or an Engineering degree in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a related field. He/she should have strong skills and a huge enthusiasm for experimental work in the laboratory. The candidate should possess excellent writing and communication skills and be able to demonstrate autonomy.

A first experience in the field of inorganic synthesis and/or electrochemistry would be a plus.

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institut Lavoisier de Versailles

Country

France

City

versailles

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.abg.asso.fr/fr/candidatOffres/show/id_offre/124183

Contact

Website

https://www.ilv.uvsq.fr/en

STATUS: EXPIRED