The topic

Hydrogen has been recognized as one of the most promising pathways for decarbonizing the energy sector, while providing the required energy demands in an environmentally friendly manner. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers are a key technology for hydrogen production. However, for a large-scale adoption, enhancements in long-term operations are important. The durability of a PEM cell is negatively influenced by leaching of catalyst ions. To tackle this problem, it is of critical importance to understand the movement of metal ions near the catalyst layer and through the membrane. Novel experimental methods, such as fluorescence microscopy, can be used to investigate the electrochemical reaction and the transport of ions in a microfluidic PEM electrolyzer.

Your Task

Microfluidic chips offer great potential for the in-situ visualization of ion transport during electrochemical reactions. You will investigate the degradation of the membrane and catalyst layer of microfluidic PEM electrolyzers in-situ with a fluorescence microscope. Based on these experiments, you will develop a method to assess the degree of degradation using in-situ or ex-situ measurements.

Work packages

• Fabrication of microfluidic PEM electrolyzer chips using 3D printing and soft lithography

• Experiments using accelerated stress tests to promote degradation of the PEM cell

• Development of a method to assess and compare the degradation state of the cells

What you should bring

• Experience in CAD is helpful but not mandatory

• Independent and reliable working style

• Enjoy/Interest in practical work and a cake.

What we offer

• Develop in-depth understanding of electrochemical processes, especially water electrolysis

• Experience in reactor design, fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical characterization techniques

• Close supervision

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me personally, by phone or via email.