Master Thesis – Functionalized metal-oxides as active catalyst support for alkaline OER

Your Job:

However, one of the main hurdles related to AEMWE technology is to develop low-cost and robust catalysts that can withstand the harsh reaction environment without compromising their activity. Despite that a typical AEM water electrolyzer operates with a standardized cathodic electrode for H2 production, there is great scientific interest in developing an efficient anodic electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Currently, only a few materials can sustain the corrosive environment of alkaline OER, such as various platinum and d-group metals. This leaves great room for developing low-cost active catalyst materials, for single-cell applications. The focus of this Master’s thesis is on synthesizing novel catalyst materials of d-block metal oxides. The research will focus on developing novel nanocatalysts for the OER and examining their properties upon functionalization with various elements. The investigation of the properties of the new materials will be done through various analytical techniques. The investigation of the catalytic efficiency and robustness of the developed materials, for the OER will be done primarily in a 3-electrode system. Analysis of the catalyst layers using microscopy techniques will help us understand how the structure formed. The research aspires to be extended to a single-cell AEM water electrolyzer. Your tasks in detail:

• Synthesis of novel nanomaterial of metal-oxides through wet-chemical techniques
  
• Analysis of fabricated materials through various characterization techniques
  
• Formulation of catalyst ink dispersion and electrode preparation
  
• Electrochemical testing of the catalysts’ OER performance and durability
  

Your Profile:

• Undergraduate education with excellent marks in Material Science, Physics, Engineering or Chemistry
  
• Basic knowledge of electrochemistry and characterization techniques
  
• Laboratory experience
  
• Experience in the Origin program is beneficial
  
• Willingness to learn and ability to think outside the box
  
• Excellent cooperation, communication, and teamwork abilities
  
• Collaborative working in multicultural and interdisciplinary team
  
• Capable of working under pressure and time limitations
  
• Independent, self-motivated, and responsible
  
• Fluency in English is mandatory
  
• Fluency in German is advantageous
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• An interesting, forward-looking, and socially relevant dissertation topic
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience during your studies
  
• Interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed, and collegial team environment
  
• Well-equipped laboratories in one of the largest research centers in Europe
  
• State-of-the-art research
  
• Fun and social working atmosphere
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.