PhD in A Closely Related Field

The SIEM (Surface and Interface Engineered Materials) research group of the Materials Engineering Department is active in the field of processing and characterization of biomaterials, biomaterials in tissue engineering, nanomaterials, powder metallurgy, ceramics, electronic thin film materials for energy and sensing, electrochemistry, and materials for energy storage and conversion./nWithin SIEMs, a PhD student will be hired to develop innovative electrocatalytic materials for electrolyzer technology to produce sustainable chemical feedstocks. The key objective is to integrate hydrogen production with the electrochemical conversion of waste plastics into value-added chemicals in an electrolyzer system. The student will carry out systematic experimental investigations, supported by theoretical analysis from collaborators, to design and develop multimetallic electrocatalysts. The research will involve review of the scientific literature, technical discussions within the research team, and experimental work. Key experimental activities can include electrocatalyst synthesis, electrochemical testing, product analysis, and comprehensive materials characterization using advanced techniques. Finally, the project seeks to deliver fundamental insights and practical solutions for sustainable electrochemical energy conversion technologies./nLocation: Leuven, Belgium.