Postdoc - Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Germany,
Deadline: 24 Oct 2021

Work group:

IEK-9 - Grundlagen der Elektrochemie

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Job description:

At the Institute of Energy and Climate Research - Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9), we perform research on highly relevant topics related to the energy transition. For example, we investigate new battery concepts and how we can turn the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) into the fuel of the future. The aim is to develop sustainable and cost-effective electrochemical systems with improved energy and power density, longer life-time, and maximal safety. Find out more about our mission and future-oriented projects here: go.fzj.de/IEK-9

Your Job:

The BMBF-funded project "iNEW 2.0" is investigating sustainable electrochemical value chains based on CO2, Hydrogen and N2. Here, we want to investigate the possibility of electrochemical reduction of molecular N2 towards value chemicals like ammonia at a high-quality analytical level. Electrochemical N2-activation is a new field of electrocatalysis. Catalysts are currently investigated from a broad field of material classes. Although ammonia is often detected as a product, it has also been shown that this does not always originate from actual N2-reduction, but from NOx reduction or other experimentally induces impurities. Careful analytical detection of the reaction educts and products is therefore the basis of new catalysis research. In this project, we therefore want to construct a high-end electrochemical setup with all necessary purity and analytical measures to ensure the detection of "true" electrochemical N2-reduction, before screening suitable electrocatalysts. Your tasks within this framework in detail:

  • Construction of an electrochemical setup for N2-reduction under consideration of educt purification and quantitative detection of the products with elimination of false-positives
  • Development of quantitative (in-situ) detection methods for ammonia
  • Identification of prospective catalytic materials and testing under different electrochemical conditions
  • Collaborations with project partners within iNew and beyond
  • Presentation of the project results on project meetings, (inter-)national conferences and in scientific publications
  • Co-Supervision of PhD and research students in this exciting research field

Your Profile:

  • PhD in Electrochemistry, Electrochemical Engineering or similar
  • Expertise in the field of electrocatalysis, preferably for low-temperature heterogeneous nitrogen reduction
  • Experience with the utilization or best construction of electrochemical flow reactors
  • Experience with ammonia detection methods is beneficial
  • Successful previous (co-)supervision of Bachelor, Master or PhD student projects
  • High degree of independence and commitment
  • Very reliable and conscientious style of working
  • Fluent command of written and spoken English, German language skills are beneficial

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:

  • A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  • Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
  • Extensive company health management
  • Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
  • Full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours and 30 days of annual leave
  • Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is limited until 30.06.2024. Salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD).Forschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations.We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.



Similar Positions