This project is part of the MSCA Doctoral Networks program e-ChemIn, connecting 10 research institutes and 3 companies across Europe in a joint effort to identify design electrochemical interfaces for electrocatalysis and batteries. You will investigate how the properties of the electrode-electrolyte interface can be leveraged to optimize the activity, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalytic systems for H 2 O oxidation to H 2 O 2 , H 2 O reduction to H 2 and NO 3 - reduction to NH 3 , in close connection to the catalyst development efforts in the consortium. Using operando XPS and soft XAS, you will resolve the active electrode-electrolyte interface structure present under catalytic conditions, and study how it changes when the catalyst structure (e.g. crystallinity and elemental ratio) and electrolyte composition (pH, ions) are varied. By linking this to the observed activity, stability and selectivity, you will build interface design principles for electrocatalytic systems. During the project, you will collaborate with various partners in the consortium, including partners working on catalyst synthesis, complementary surface X-ray diffraction, and complementary (in situ) electron microscopy.
Secondments (short-term academic and/or industrial research stays) are an integral part of the doctoral training program: According to current project plans 2 secondments are foreseen: 1) 4 months at the University of Trieste (Prof. Paolo Fornasiero), working on the preparation of electrocatalysts for anodic H 2 O 2 production. 2) 4 months at the University of Liverpool (Dr. Yvonne Grunder) for SXRD studies to complement the operando X-ray spectroscopies for resolving electrode-electrolyte interface structures.
This project is a good match for you if you like:
- Understanding electrochemistry at the molecular level
- Working with advanced measurement techniques
- Working as a team, both within the group and in collaborations with other institutes
The selected candidate will be required to enroll in a PhD program at Leiden University and will be supervised by:
Main supervisor: Dr. Rik Mom, Leiden University
https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/research/research-projects/science/operando-research-in-electrochemistry
Co-supervisor: Dr. Yvonne Grunder, University of Liverpool
https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/physics/research/condensed-matter-physics/
Co-supervisor from secondment:
Prof. Paolo Fornasiero, University of Trieste
https://meeresearch.weebly.com/
Further information on the other projects within the consortium can be found on Euraxess.
