Postdoc in novel routes to ammonia - DTU Energy

Postdoc to support development of novel routes to green ammonia. The approach is based on the use of proton conducting ceramics and electrochemical cells made from such. The work entails development/modification of experimental setups to enable test of cells under conditions relevant for ammonia synthesis (elevated temperature and pressure).
If you are looking for a challenging task related to the green transition of the energy sector here is a great opportunity. We are seeking a Postdoc to strengthen our research on new electrochemical routes to green ammonia. You will assist in establishing advanced experimental setups and use these to explore what limits achievable synthesis rates and how to improve these.

Transforming our society to rely only on sustainable energy sources is a massive challenge. Key to success will be development of cost competitive routes to produce hydrogen via electrolysis of water/steam driven by green electricity. The hydrogen has value in itself but may, importantly, also serve as a reactant for production of ammonia. Ammonia has great importance as a fertilizer but can also be an “energy vector” enabling emission reduction from “hard to electrify” sectors like global shipping. Hence, cost competitive routes to “green hydrogen” and “green ammonia”, not relying on use of natural gas, is in high demand.

The research is a part of the project “Progress”, where the ambition is to facilitate integration of the hydrogen production step and the ammonia synthesis step to enable an efficient route to ammonia driven only by electrical energy. If the solid oxide cell applied is a proton conducting ceramic, controlling the potential and current allows control of the hydrogen activity at the electrode surface. It is the hypothesis behind the project that careful control of this and possibly cycling it may enable an overall more efficient process.

The research project involves collaboration with Copenhagen University, Max Planck Institute in Germany and University of Lund, Sweden.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will work on modifying experimental setups to make it possible to test the function of the electrochemical cells under conditions suitable for synthesis of ammonia meaning temperatures in the range of 500oC and elevated pressure. The work will include:

• Activities to re-design and re-build rigs for electrochemical testing of solid oxide cells for synthesis of ammonia
• Conducting experiments to establish the relation between synthesis rate and test conditions, e.g. polarisation, temperature,..
• Characterisation of the applied cells and catalysts before and after test (e.g. by microscopy, XRD,..) to help identify limiting factors and degradation mechanisms.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Experience/qualifications in one or more of the following areas are advantageous:

• Chemistry and characterization of catalytic performance
• Electrochemistry
• Building of test rigs and data acquisition
• Oxide ceramics
• Proton conducting materials

We expect you to be able to work independently as well as in a team, and that you have good communication skills in English.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. The starting date will be decided after mutual agreement. A start around Nov. 2024 is targeted.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Peter Vang Hendriksen ([email protected])

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 August 2024 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Energy is focusing on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, and batteries as well as advanced filtration devices. We are ca. 250 employees organized in seven sections and three teams.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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