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Empa in Dübendorf invites applications for a PhD position in the Hydrogen Spectroscopy group, a joint project with EPFL Sion, to develop ultrathin transition metal membranes on porous graphene for selective H2 removal and membrane reactor integration. You will fabricate membranes, analyze gas transport and H2 diffusion energy barriers, investigate chemisorption resistance, and explore binary and ternary Pd alloys to address cost and stability. The work combines EPFL Sion and Empa experiments with reactor testing and will be conducted under CMSZH at the University of Zürich, including teaching duties. The ideal candidate holds a master’s in physics, physical chemistry or materials science, with surface science and hydrogen technology experience, strong English, German is an advantage, willingness to travel between sites, and a collaborative mindset. Apply online with a motivation letter, CV, certificates, diplomas and two references.
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
PhD position on ultrathin palladium membranes for selective H2 removal
The position will be in the research group Hydrogen Spectroscopy, which is part of the Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems Laboratory at Empa. The laboratory conducts, develops and optimizes processes for renewable fuels. The group “Hydrogen Spectroscopy” is further involved in hydrogen science & technology such as power-to-gas, membrane science and surface science.
The aim of the project is to develop ultra-thin transition metal membranes on porous graphene. The gas transport mechanisms, including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance contributed by the chemisorption of H2 in the membranes will be analyzed. Finally, the membranes will be investigated in membrane-reactors to improve the yield of hydrogenation reactions. The project is a joint project at EPFL Sion and Empa Dübendorf.
Your tasks
Palladium membranes have been extensively studied for high-temperature separation of H2; however, their high cost has been a significant bottleneck. You will fabricate ultra-thin transition metal membranes at EPFL Sion. To overcome issues related to pinholes and grain-boundary defects, the transition will be deposited over porous graphene. To improve chemical stability, binary and ternary Pd-alloys will be investigated (e.g., Pd, Ag).The gas transport mechanisms, including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance contributed by the chemisorption of H2 in thin transition metals /graphene membranes will be analyzed at Empa, where also the membrane reactor experiments will be performed.
You will be enrolled in CMSZH: Graduate School of Chemical and Molecular Sciences of the University Zürich. You will have to fulfill some teaching duties (as defined by UZH, Department of Chemistry).
Your profile
The position is immediately available for a candidate with a master's degree (or equivalent) preferably in physics, physical chemistry or materials science. Experience in surface science and hydrogen technology is of advantage. The ideal candidate has an independent, target- and solution-driven work attitude, inter- and multidisciplinary thinking & strong motivation and interest to join an ambitious interdisciplinary research team with integrative and cooperative personality. Travelling between the research institutions is mandatory. Excellent English knowledge (written and oral) is required, German is an advantage.
Our offer
We offer an interesting research environment with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
