Research Fields: Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrochemistry.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is an excellent suited technology to produce large amounts of high purity hydrogen from renewable energy. This technology will play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly society and industry. The heart of the PEMWE is the catalyst layer, where water is converted to hydrogen and oxygen gases. PEM electrolysers currently use catalyst layers deposited directly on the proton exchange membrane, in a configuration called catalyst coated membranes (CCM). The CCMs are typically manufactured done by a wet route, in which the catalyst is deposited from an ink. This route complex ink formulations, generates more wastes and typically requires higher loading of catalyst to be deposited to have catalyst layers with good electrical conductivity. All this together turns into more expensive CCMs with less control in the manufacturing process.

The goal of this project is to optimize a manufacturing process of catalyst coated membrane by a dry route, aiming to reduce the manufacturing steps with a well-controlled process flow.

What will you be responsible for:

• Literature research to provide you with the required background and the state of the art.

• Design / optimize dry manufacturing process of CCMs.

• Manufacture proof of concept and test it in in-situ PEM electrolyser.

• Participate in group meetings to discuss results/drawbacks with the team.

• Write final report of the project.

• Present the outcome results of the project.

Who are we looking for:

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• has a background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, or similar.

• is resident in the Netherlands.

• is looking for a project of 6-10 months.

• is eager to learn about thin film manufacturing, electrochemistry, electrocatalysis.

• is eager to work in the laboratory.

• is creative.

• can work both independently and as part of a team.

• has good communications skills in English.

Are you already triggered by the project and would like to help us in advancing the manufacturing of electrochemical devices for energy applications or would like to get more information? Please reach us out.

Contact information:

Cássia Sidney Santana (cassia.sidneysantana@tno.nl)

Oscar Diaz-Morales (oscar.diazmorales@tno.nl)