Post-doctoral Position – Design and Development of an operando Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Cell (M/F)

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Laboratoire d’Electrochimie et de Physicochimie des Matériaux et des Interfaces

Research Field

Chemistry
Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

France

Application Deadline

16 Feb 2024 – 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 May 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The post-doctoral fellow at LEPMI will be responsible for the design and development of a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cell. She/he will subsequently adapt this cell for combined electrochemistry/X-ray diffraction (XRD) and/or electrochemistry/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements. The post-doc will collaborate closely with a PhD student who is working on materials for oxygen evolution reaction in an acidic environment, as well as a technician overseeing the production of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). Additionally, she/he will benefit from an established collaboration between LEPMI and ESRF for monitoring structural changes in iridium oxide-based particles during oxygen evolution conditions.

– Design a PEM electrolysis cell suitable for XRD and/or ICP-MS measurements.
– Provide support for the PEPR MATHYLDE project, maintaining communication and coordination between LEPMI, LEMTA, ICGM, Mines ParisTech, and ELOGEN.
– Contribute to the drafting of reports and publications.

LEPMI (https://lepmi.grenoble-inp.fr/ ) is a collaborative research unit involving CNRS, Grenoble INP, UGA, and Université Savoie Mont-Blanc, with approximately 100 researchers. Research interests at LEPMI encompass energy storage and electrochemical energy conversion, merging materials science and electrochemical engineering. This post-doctoral position will be based in the Interfacial Electrochemistry and Processes (EIP) team, under the supervision of Dr. Frédéric Maillard.
PEMWE process offers the advantage of efficient coupling with renewable energy sources, while also producing high-purity hydrogen in a pressurized, purification-free manner. Materials play a crucial role in these systems, with iridium constituting 6% of the device cost, necessitating reduction, and porous transport layers needing to minimize constriction resistances while facilitating two-phase mixture transport. Durability of the materials is also a focal point for improvement. To address these challenges, we aim to evaluate highly active and sustainable materials developed at LEPMI in a PEMWE cell. This cell will subsequently undergo modifications to enable combined electrochemical measurements with advanced in situ characterization methods, including synchrotron XRD and ICP-MS.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Basic

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 – 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 – 4

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

– Proficiency in electrochemistry, as well as X-ray diffraction and/or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
– Strong team spirit with the ability to collaborate effectively.
– Proficient in synthesizing and responding to reports and publications.
– Excellent command of the English language.

Additional comments

PEPR MATHYLDE

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5279-FREMAI-011/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Laboratoire d’Electrochimie et de Physicochimie des Matériaux et des Interfaces

Country

France

City

ST MARTIN D HERES

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UMR5279-FREMAI-011/Candidater.aspx

Contact

City

ST MARTIN D HERES

Website

http://lepmi.grenoble-inp.fr

STATUS: EXPIRED