Postdoc In assessing the structural performance of polymers in an alkaline electrolyzer

Does failure not faze you? Then you might be our next Post-Doc working on the development of accurate, long-term failure models to predict the durability of selected engineering thermoplastics in an high-demanding application that will pave the way for a renewable future.

Information
The global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. One promising technology in this transition is alkaline electrolysis, a method used to produce hydrogen gas from water using electricity. In this process, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen in an alkaline solution, typically potassium hydroxide (KOH). The hydrogen produced can be stored, transported, and used as a clean fuel in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and power generation. Alkaline electrolysis is one of the most mature and cost-effective electrolysis technologies, making it a very likely key player in the development of a green hydrogen economy.

Electrolysis is carried out at elevated temperatures and under pressurized conditions. To contain this pressure, circular cell frames, typically made of metal, are stacked and clamped together with endplates to form the reactor. Metals are commonly used for their strength and durability. Alternatively, polymers can be employed, offering advantages as reduced weight and suitability for large-scale production through injection moulding. However, these materials face significant challenges, including exposure to high temperatures, sustained mechanical stress, and chemical degradation caused by the alkaline environment of potassium hydroxide (KOH).

For an alkaline electrolyser system that is being developed by Alquion ( polymers and their mechanical lifetime play a major role. It is of essence to understand their behaviour over the full lifetime (10-20 yrs), including potential failure modes.

In this project we will investigate the long-term performance of selected polymers and develop accurate models to predict their mechanical performance . The project is run in close collaboration with our industrial partner, has a strong experimental character, and is aimed at establishing reliable lifetime predictions for the polymers employed.

Requirements

• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students and working in a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Contract terms

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme ) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment . Build on your career at TU/e!