Predoctoral researcher for the development of low-cost catalysts for alkaline water electrolysers

DESCRIPTION OF THE CENTER:

CIC energiGUNE is a research center specializing in energy, electrochemical storage (batteries and supercapacitors), thermal energy and hydrogen solutions, a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance - BRTA, and a strategic initiative of the Basque Government. CIC energiGUNE was born in 2011 with the aim of generating excellent and at the same time useful knowledge for the Basque business fabric, being a benchmark in knowledge transfer. CIC energiGUNE has a research team of more than 100 researchers who have a wide range of facilities at their disposal. In addition, the European Commission has recently (2019) awarded CIC energiGUNE the "HR Excellence in Research" award, which reflects its commitment to achieving fair and transparent hiring and evaluation principles and certifies the existence of a stimulating work environment and conducive to research. For more details on the research activities of the CIC energiGUNE, visit our website: http://www.cicenergigune.com.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

CICenergiGUNE is looking for a predoctoral researcher for the development of low-cost catalysts for alkaline water electrolysers.

The researcher's activity will be related to alkaline electrolyzers. Current technology of alkaline water electrolysers for the production of AE hydrogen is capable of generating up to 750 Nm³/h of H2. The main current technical limitations are attributed to the inadequate power density and the instability of the electrocatalysts. In particular, alkaline electrolyser catalysts suffer from poisoning when used in salt water due to the formation of Cl2 from and dissolution of the catalysts. The objective of its activity will be the development and implementation of precious metal-free nanocatalysts in the electrolysis of water in neutral and alkaline media. The specific objectives are: 1) Synthesis and evaluation of the catalytic activity and durability of FeNiCr alloy nanocatalysts for hydrogen evolution in water electrolyzers in neutral and alkaline media 2) Synthesis and evaluation of the catalytic activity and durability of FeNiCu alloy nanocatalysts for oxygen evolution in water electrolyzers

WHAT WE OFFER:

We offer a 36-month contract and access to a set of infrastructures and existing laboratory equipment to guarantee a fruitful stay and the fulfillment of the defined objectives in a timely manner. People will join an integrated, enthusiastic, multidisciplinary center that conducts excellent, high-quality research with a impactful contribution to reality in the fields of energy and sustainability. CIC energiGUNE will also help ease the transition for you and your family, providing a welcome program that offers help with accommodation and addresses other aspects to help you integrate into the local environment (with free language courses, help with schools for children /ace...). CIC energiGUNE is located near the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the heart of the Basque Country. The Basque Country is the region with the highest investment in R&D in Spain, with more than 20,000 researchers. The Basque research ecosystem is made up of a solid and collaborative community made up of universities, technology centers and cooperative research. For more information: https://cicenergigune.com/es/trabajo-con-nosotros.

TO APPLY:

All people interested in the position can send their application including a letter of motivation and their CV through this website: https://cicenergigune.com/en/employment-opportunities/88766648

The reception of applications will end on December 10 and the selection process will end on December 20.

CIC energiGUNE is committed to positive action, equal opportunities and diversity of its team.