PhD Position: Nitrogen Valorization in High-Temp Electrochemical Cells

This PhD position at DIFFER focuses on advancing high-temperature electrochemical ammonia synthesis through solid oxide and protonic ceramic cell technologies. The research centers on developing catalytic electrodes, ceramic-cell fabrication, and membrane-electrode assemblies to convert nitrogen and NOx streams into sustainable ammonia. The candidate will combine materials synthesis, electrochemical testing, and product analysis within an interdisciplinary national consortium. The project expects active contribution to experimental design, long-term stability testing, and dissemination of scientific results.

• Develop and evaluate catalytic electrodes for high-temperature electrochemical ammonia synthesis
• Fabricate, assemble, and test solid oxide and protonic ceramic electrochemical cells
• Integrate electrocatalysts into porous ceramic electrodes using infiltration, impregnation, and exsolution
• Perform electrochemical characterization using polarization measurements and impedance spectroscopy
• Operate high-temperature ceramic cells and analyze reaction products using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
• Conduct physico-structural characterization of materials using XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM techniques
• Prepare scientific publications and present findings at international conferences
• Supervise and support BSc and MSc students in their research projects