PhD scholarship – Development of improved electrodes in high temperature PEM fuel cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that produce electricity directly from a fuel like a battery. The fundamental difference is that it need no recharging but operates as long as fuel is supplied. Fuel cells are expected to play a vital role in the future energy system because they provide higher conversion efficiency compared to internal combustion engines. Fuel cell development is a very active research field internationally as well as in Denmark. One of the most successful kinds of fuel cells is the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).

The Energy and Materials Science Group at the Department of Chemistry at DTU has for decades been involved in hydrogen energy and fuel cells. Today the main effort is on PEM fuel cells at elevated temperature (high temperature PEM fuel cells at 120-200°C). The group develops all components from the polymer membrane to cells and cell stacks.

The proposed Ph.D. study is planned to focus on further development of the fuel cell electrodes aiming at improved cell performance and lifetime. Fuel cell electrodes are very complex components. They comprise a catalyst layer with nano-sized catalyst particles which must have good electronic contact to the backing structure of the electrode in order to conduct the produced electrons. Moreover, it must have ion conducting pathways for protons (hydrogen ions) and finally, they must be highly porous in order to allow for easy transport of gaseous reactants and products. The electrode morphology and materials properties are crucial for the electrode and thus the cell performance. Especially the morphology is to a large extent affected by the manufacturing procedure and the latter must at the same time be developed in a way suited for a production line.

The group has long expertise in electrode manufacturing by different techniques, but it is clear that there is room for significant improvements. The methodical approach is to a large extent trial and error due to the complexity, but it will be guided by theoretical principles. As well as a range of electrochemical techniques the work will include visual examinations in a new scanning electron microscope which the candidate will be taught to operate.

The project is part of the Danish consortium HotMEA and will include close collaboration with the industrial partner Danish Power Systems who has a cell production line under development. This means that results obtained are not only for the scientific literature but will be utilized immediately.

Qualifications
Candidates with education as a chemical engineer or chemist, or similar are preferred. An interest in inorganic and physical chemistry is welcomed.
We can offer you to work in a very international environment, not least due to the collaboration with other university groups working within chemistry and physics, as well as with industrial companies in other European countries besides in Denmark.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
Salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students.
The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
For further information, please contact: Professor Niels J. Bjerrum, Energy and Materials Science Group, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, +45 4524 2307.

Application
We must have your online application by 7 December 2009.
Please open the link “apply for this job online” and fill in the application form and attach your application, CV and information about academic grades.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further Scholarship Information and Application