PhD Position in Nitrogen Valorization in High-Temp Electrochemical Cells

The Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) is offering a 4-year PhD position focused on nitrogen valorization using high-temperature proton and oxygen ion conducting electrochemical cells. Working within the Catalytic and Electrochemical Processes for Energy Applications group, the candidate will design and evaluate catalytic electrodes and ceramic membrane assemblies for sustainable ammonia synthesis. The project combines materials synthesis, cell fabrication, electrochemical testing, and gas-phase product analysis to advance clean chemical manufacturing. The successful applicant will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams across academic and industrial networks within the HyNITROGEN consortium.

• Develop and evaluate catalytic electrodes for high-temperature electrochemical ammonia synthesis
• Fabricate, assemble, and test solid oxide and protonic ceramic cells
• Integrate electrocatalysts into porous ceramic structures using methods such as infiltration and exsolution
• Conduct electrochemical characterization including polarization measurements and impedance spectroscopy
• Analyze reaction products using gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy
• Perform structural characterization of materials using XRD, XPS, SEM/EDX, and TEM
• Investigate long-term durability and degradation mechanisms under realistic operating conditions
• Prepare scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences