[b]3 PhD scholarships at the Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Department
1, Anodes for solid oxide fuel cells operating at 400 °C[/b]
Apply before: 08.06.2008 at 12:00 (noon)
Do you want to help develop innovative and environmentally friendly energy technologies for the future?
The Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Department at Risø DTU is among the world’s research leaders in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) – a technology for clean and efficient conversion of chemical energy (in the form of, e.g., natural gas, hydrogen, biogas, ammonia or methanol) into electricity and heat. In addition we have activities within a number of related topics in functional ceramics.
Project description
An SOFC is an assembly of an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. Present day operating temperatures of 650-850 °C are dictated by the electrolyte and electrodes, whose performances are strongly temperature dependent. A number of issues of components cost and cell lifetime can be overcome by reducing the operating temperature to around 400 °C. This will require electrolytes of higher ionic conductivity or smaller thickness and electrodes based on new materials and structures.
In the project anodes will be developed for such low-temperature fuel cells. The anodes will be produced from oxide or metal films, possibly including second phases. Candidate materials include composites such as Ni-electrolyte cermets. The anodes will be characterized with respect to their structural and electrical characteristics. Fuel cells of both the conventional, two chamber type, and the single chamber type, will be designed and tested using a variety of fuels, with attention to fuel conversion and current efficiency. This work will be done in close collaboration with a second candidate working on cathodes. Part of the project will consist in the modelling of electrode and cell design.
Experimental methods available for the project include a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) facility for thin film deposition, X-ray diffractometers, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, and extensive test and characterization facilities for fuel cells.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science or similar
* knowledge of solid state physics or electrochemistry
* preferably experience with experimental methods for materials characterization
* ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
* good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment.
Good possibilities for professional and personal growth.
A family friendly organisation with flexible working hours.
Terms of employment
The terms of employment will be in accordance with those of the scientific staff at Risø DTU. The position is for a fixed duration of three years.
Application
We must have your online application by 8 June 2008. Please open the link “apply online” and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV.
Further information
Please contact Senior Scientist Nikolaos Bonanos, +45 4677 5748, for further information.
2, Cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells operating at 400 °C
Apply before: 08.06.2008 at 12:00 (noon)
Do you want to help develop innovative and environmentally friendly energy technologies for the future?
The Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Department at Risø DTU is among the world’s research leaders in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) – a technology for clean and efficient conversion of chemical energy (in the form of, e.g., natural gas, hydrogen, biogas, ammonia or methanol) into electricity and heat. In addition we have activities within a number of related topics in functional ceramics.
Project description
An SOFC is an assembly of an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. Present day operating temperatures of 650-850 °C are dictated by the electrolyte and electrodes, whose performances are strongly temperature dependent. A number of issues of components cost and cell lifetime can be overcome by reducing the operating temperature to around 400 °C. This will require electrolytes of higher ionic conductivity or smaller thickness and electrodes based on new materials and structures.
In the project cathodes will be developed for such low-temperature fuel cells. The cathodes will be composed of oxides such as La2NiO4, or metals, possibly with incorporated oxide second phases and will be formed on electrolytes produced by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The systems will be characterized in terms of structure, transport properties and electro¬catalytic activity. Fuel cells of both the conventional, two chamber type, and the single chamber type, will be designed and tested using a variety of fuels, with attention to fuel conversion and current efficiency. This work will be done in close collaboration with a second candidate working on anodes. Part of the project will consist in the modelling of electrode and cell design.
Experimental methods available for the project include a PLD facility for thin film deposition, X-ray diffractometers, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, and extensive test and characterization facilities for fuel cells.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science or similar
* knowledge of solid state physics or electrochemistry
* preferably experience with experimental methods for materials characterization
* ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
* good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment.
Good possibilities for professional and personal growth.
A family friendly organisation with flexible working hours.
Terms of employment
The terms of employment will be in accordance with those of the scientific staff at Risø DTU. The position is for a fixed duration of three years.
Application
We must have your online application by 8 June 2008. Please open the link “apply online” and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV.
3, Corrosion in electrolysis stacks at high temperatures
Apply before: 08.06.2008 at 12:00 (noon)
Do you want to help develop innovative and environmentally friendly energy technologies for the future?
The Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Department at Risø DTU is among the world’s research leaders in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In addition we have activities within a number of related topics in functional ceramics, including high-temperature electrolysis.
Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) use electrolysis of water (steam) and CO2 to convert electrical energy to chemical energy, stored in the form of, e.g., hydrogen, methane or methanol. This makes it possible to store surplus wind power for use at peak demand or for the transport sector. The cells are stacked between metallic interconnects to reach sufficient system size. The durability of these interconnects, which degrade by corrosion, is crucial for the system lifetime.
Project description
The project aims to describe the corrosion processes on the interconnects, and in particular their dependence on steam pressure and temperature. A newly designed unique equipment for thermal analysis under high steam pressure will be used for the study. The protective oxide layers which form under corrosion will be characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. An important goal of the study will be to identify better interconnect materials and possible protective coatings to increase the durability.
Qualifications
* Master’s degree in engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science or similar
* preferably experience with experimental methods for materials characterization and/or knowledge of solid state physics
* ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
* good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment.
Good possibilities for professional and personal growth.
A family friendly organisation with flexible working hours.
Terms of employment
The terms of employment will be in accordance with those of the scientific staff at Risø DTU. The position is for a fixed duration of three years.
Application
We must have your online application by 8 June 2008. Please open the link “apply online” and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV.
Further information
Please contact Head of Program Peter Vang Hendriksen, +45 4677 5725,for further information. Additional information about Risø DTU and the Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Department can be found on www.risoe.dtu.dk.