2 PhD contracts at Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC), Barcelona

The Group Leader of Nanoionics and Fuel Cells is looking for a PhD student to work on a European Project (ERC Consolidator Grant) devoted to the development of breakthrough concepts for micro-Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (uSOFC).

Description: Energy requirements of portable devices are exponentially increasing while the capacity of the current battery technology is not progressing accordingly. Novel miniaturized devices able to efficiently operate in continuous mode by using a fuel are receiving increased attention. Micro-fuel cells and, in particular, micro-Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (m-SOFCs) are considered one of the most promising candidates due to their high specific energy and power, two times higher than conventional Li-ion batteries. One of the most promising approaches for the miniaturization of SOFCs is based on the silicon technology commonly used to fabricate MEMS devices and 3D printing of ceramics for the encapsulation. This approach ensures high reproducibility and reliability, cheap mass production and easy integration in mainstream technology.

We are interested in a Ph.D. student highly motivated to study interface-dominated materials in the form of thin films with applicability in redox-based devices such as micro-SOFCs and resistive switches. She/he will get experience in hands on deposition and characterization of thin films, as well as a deep knowledge on solid oxide fuel cells. Among the techniques employed will be Pulsed Laser Deposition, Atomic Layer Deposition or Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy.

Requirements: Ph.D. student who is highly motivated to learn, work in a team, high flexibility and initiative and ability to innovate.
Bachelor and master of Physics / Engineering / Chemistry or similar is required. Experience in thin films and electrochemical characterization (under illumination) will be positively evaluated.
Fluent English is mandatory.

We offer: Three years Ph.D student contract. Joining a team of highly qualified and motivated researchers working in the frontiers of knowledge in science and technology.

Incorporation: The candidates should be available by the beginning of 2018.

Workplace: Barcelona (IREC facilities)

Applicants should send a detailed CV, a motivation letter and bachelor/master transcript to Albert Tarancón, atarancon en irec.cat. Please indicate the reference “Interfaces_PhDMat” in your mail.