High Power Renewable Energy Nano Catalysis – Fundamental and Applied Electrochemistry

The development of a low-cost, high-performance fuel cell is hindered by the lack of an active and electrocatalysts at the anode and cathode. This research project aims at developing and implementing innovative Platinum-free electrocatalysts specifically designed for efficient oxidation of hydrogen in alkaline solutions.

The "Electrochemistry and Fuel Cell group" (EC&FC) group at Ariel University-Israel is seeking a PhD candidate for studying the electrocatalytic mechanism of non- Pt transition metal based nano-structured catalysts for Ammonia and Hydrogen reactions. This project involves good fundamental and practical understanding of theoretical chemistry, analytical chemistry, surface chemistry catalysis and energy conversion & storage materials.
A successful PhD candidate will participate in a fundamental and applied research of catalysis and their surface chemical and physical properties influencing hydrogen oxidation kinetics. A systematic rigorous research is planned by using theoretical tools as well as advance analytical techniques such as electrochemical–AFM, electron microscopy, elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and various spectroscopic and insitu advanced spectro-electrochemical methods. Based on the understanding gained in the fundamental research, active electrocatalysts(s) will be synthesized and tested in high power fuel cells or electrolyzers.

Ariel University offers a collaborative research environment and features state-of-the-art research facilities relevant to the proposed position. A full 4 years competitive scholarship is offered to a prospective candidate in this program.

Required Qualifications: A successful MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or relevant degrees. Preferred Qualifications: former studies in one or more of the following fields: analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry, nano materials, electrochemistry.

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Alex Schechter; Email: [Email Address Removed].