CCEM UPC Barcelona: Postdoctoral Researcher Materials Science (MNT-Solar & NEMEN)

Job title:

CCEM UPC Barcelona: Postdoctoral Researcher Materials Science (MNT-Solar & NEMEN)

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Job description

Offer DescriptionThe transition to renewable energy sources is essential for a sustainable future, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems represent a promising avenue for direct solar energy conversion into chemical fuels. Nevertheless, developing efficient and stable photoelectrodes is crucial for advancing solar energy harvesting and sustainable chemical fuel production, such as hydrogen production or carbon dioxide photoreduction to valuable chemicals. This project aims to develop and characterize high-performance photoelectrodes -both photocathodes and photoanodes- based on novel ternary chalcogenide and/or kesterite materials that have shown outstanding performance in photovoltaic applications. These materials offer tunable optoelectronic properties, excellent stability, and enhanced light absorption, making them ideal candidates for efficient PEC devices.The selected postdoctoral researcher will focus, on the one hand, on material synthesis and photoelectrode fabrication, producing novel ternary chalcogenide-based semiconductors with optimized band structures for efficient light-to-fuel conversion. The candidate will integrate selected electron transport layers (ETL) and hole transport layers (HTL) according to the different work functions, in order to enhance charge separation and mitigate recombination losses. The manufacturing methodologies will span from thin-film deposition techniques (including sputtering, physical vapor deposition (PVD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD)) to mechanochemical synthesis and solution processing for controlled material synthesis. The challenges to address will include the electrochemical characterization of the photoelectrodes and the use of advanced operando techniques (including experiments in synchrotron facilities) to correlate the evolution and possible reorganization of the active species of the photoelectrode with the photoelectrode-electrolyte interface dynamics and photoelectrochemical reaction performance under light irradiation.This postdoctoral position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge materials research in solar energy conversion, with the potential for real-world applications in sustainable hydrogen production and carbon-neutral fuel generation.Where to apply E-maillaura.rubio.ortega@upc.eduRequirementsResearch Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsKey skills

• Experience in electrochemical characterization of materials.
• Proficiency in advanced characterization tools (e.g., SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, FTIR, etc.).
• Bridging concepts across chemistry, physics, engineering, and materials science.
• Ability to design, execute, and analyze experiments independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan and organize job tasks or resources in an efficient manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Innovative approaches to tackle complex scientific or engineering challenges.
• Evidence of impactful research through peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations.

Specific RequirementsResearch Experience

• Synthesis, characterization, and assessment of heterogeneous catalysis.
• Synthesis and characterization of advanced electrode architectures.
• Catalytic reaction engineering and reaction product monitoring (GC, MS, etc.)
• Experiments in Synchrotron facilities.
• Experience in hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide-related reactions.

Other

• Capable of writing scientific publications
• Motivation and fast learning skills

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages SPANISH Level BasicAdditional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Barcelona Research Center in Multiescale Science and Engineering Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08019 Barcelona Street Campus Diagonal Besòs, Building I, Av. Eduard Maristany, 10-14 GeofieldContact State/ProvinceBarcelona CityBarcelona WebsiteStreetCampus Diagonal Besòs, Building I, Av. Eduard Maristany, 10-14 Postal Code08019 Barcelona E-Maillaura.rubio.ortega@upc.edu Phone0034 934137546STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Barcelona

Job date

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 02:12:17 GMT

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