PhD-position in electrode/catalyst development for PFAS-free fuel cells (m/f/d)

NEU Teilzeit Forschung und Lehre Our group Electrochemical Energy Systems at the University of Freiburg offers a PhD-position in electrode/catalyst development for PFAS-free fuel cells (m/f/d)

• Bewerbungsfrist: 31. August 2026
• Veröffentlichungsdatum: 28. Juli 2026
• Eintrittstermin: Zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt.
• Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (80 %)
• Kennziffer: 00005123

Beschreibung

PFAS ("forever chemicals") are valued across countless industries for their heat resistance and remarkable stability. They are also state-of-the-art in proton-conducting membranes and electrodes for fuel cells, a technology currently gaining serious traction in heavy-duty trucking. But that same stability that makes PFAS attractive for different applications makes them persistent in the environment: they've been detected in soil, water, air, and even human and animal tissue, and have been linked to health concerns. Thus, the fuel cell industry increasingly needs viable, PFAS-free alternatives.

This is precisely the challenge we are tackling in the CORAL-HC project. Promising hydrocarbon-based ionomers have recently emerged as candidates that can match PFAS performance. However, the catalysts and electrode architectures that work so well with PFAS materials don't simply transfer to this new material class. Fundamental questions about how catalyst, carbon support, and hydrocarbon ionomer interact still need to be answered from scratch.

To address this, we will use atomic layer deposition (ALD) to design and fine-tune catalysts specifically for hydrocarbon ionomers. ALD's ability to deposit ultrathin, highly controlled layers of platinum atom by atom offers a unique lever for precisely tailoring the size, distribution, and local environment of platinum nanoparticles on the carbon support. This precision will allow us to systematically probe how catalyst structure influences performance in combination with hydrocarbon ionomers, and to engineer catalysts that are optimized for this new material class rather than simply adapted from PFAS-based systems.

Your task:

• Adapt and optimize atomic layer deposition (ALD) protocols to deposit platinum nanoparticles with controlled size, distribution, and local environment on porous carbon supports tailored to the specific requirements of hydrocarbon (HC) ionomers
• Develop over- and under-coatings to improve stability and activity of the catalysts
• Characterize catalyst structure and morphology using techniques such as electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), X-ray diffraction, and surface area/porosity analysis (e.g., BET)
• Fabricate and evaluate catalyst-ionomer composite electrodes, systematically varying ionomer-to-carbon ratios and catalyst architectures
• Integrate the developed electrodes into fuel cell devices
• Conduct electrochemical characterization (e.g., fuel cell measurements, cyclic voltammetry, ECSA measurements) to assess catalyst and electrode performance in combination with HC ionomers
• Investigate the interplay between catalyst structure, Pt distribution, and HC ionomer properties (e.g., gas diffusion, water uptake) to identify performance-limiting mechanisms
• Collaborate closely with project partners, developing new carbon supports and HC ionomer materials to co-optimize catalyst and ionomer design
• Contribute to the development of improved electrode recipes and fabrication processes based on experimental findings
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and translate insights into design guidelines for next-generation catalyst-ionomer systems
• Document results and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
• Present research progress at project meetings and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team

Your profile:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field
• Strong background in electrochemistry, materials characterization, or catalysis; experience with fuel cells or related electrochemical energy conversion systems is a plus
• Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work, specifically with thin-film deposition techniques (e.g., ALD, CVD, sputtering) is highly desirable, or strong motivation to acquire this expertise
• Familiarity with characterization techniques such as electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), XRD, or surface area analysis (BET) is an advantage
• Experience with electrochemical characterization methods (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, polarization curves) is beneficial
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex experimental data and translate it into actionable insights
• Genuine interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of materials science, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy technologies
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary, international team
• Independent, structured, and hands-on working style, excellent team spirit
• Good written and spoken English; German language skills are a plus, but not required
• Prior experience with scientific writing and a track record of (or strong interest in) publishing in peer-reviewed journals

The position

• Funded PhD position within a collaborative research project involving renowned industry partners
• Excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary “electrochemical energy systems”, characterized by a supportive, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment for electrolysis research and advanced materials development
• A planned PhD duration of three years (80% TV-L E13, according to the German public service pay scale)
• An international working environment with English or German as the working language
• Ideal starting date: October/November 2026
• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working hours

If you are interested in the position, please send a letter of motivation, your CV and your transcript of records, as well as any other documents of interest (not required) via the job portal.

The position is limited to 30. Juni 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Bewerbung

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00005123, by 31. August 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Department of Microsystems Engineering – IMTEK Laboratory for MEMS Applications Georges-Koehler-Allee 103 79110 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Frau Carolin Klose on the phone number +49 761 203-73253,203-54062 or E-Mail carolin.klose@imtek.uni-freiburg.de.