Phd Positions in Hydrogen Storage Research at Delft University

Hydrogen storage is a major bottleneck in the development of a future energy economy based on hydrogen as an energy carrier. Key to competitive hydrogen storage is the development of lightweight, cheap and safe materials that can be reversibly loaded under temperature and pressure conditions suitable for applications. Surface adsorption of hydrogen in porous, crystalline materials such as metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provide materials with record specific surface areas per gram material, and are therefore proposed as potential hydrogen storage materials.

Our research focuses on the design of new materials using first principles modelling, chemical synthesis and the fundamental characterisation of the hydrogen sorption. Characterisation of the adsorption using macroscopic methods as well as in situ neutron diffraction will be performed to determine which are the most favourable positions of hydrogen in the crystals with the optimum adsorption interaction strength. With this knowledge new materials will be designed, aiming at improved characteristics and higher capacity. For this research we have openings for two highly motivated PhD students who will work on the project in close collaboration; one with a synthetic chemistry background and one with a physics background.

For more information, please visit: http://www.rrr.tudelft.nl/fame.

Requirements

- University Graduate
- The PhD student in synthetic chemistry must have a strong synthetic chemistry background and additional experience with physical chemistry experimental characterisation methods.
- The PhD student in physics or physical chemistry will have a strong physics or physical chemistry background and affinity with first principles modelling and/or experimental techniques operating at the microscopic/ atomic scale.??

Organization

- Delft University of Technology Department Radiation, Radionuclides & Reactors of the Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognized level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

The Faculty of Applied Science is a large, research-oriented faculty providing excellent, challenging education and conducting pioneering, fundamental, and socially relevant research in the natural sciences. We provide a world-class training ground for future leaders in scientific professional practice and research. With more than 60 different nationalities represented, the faculty is culturally diverse.

This research is being conducted by the Delft Institute for Sustainable Energy at Delft University of Technology. The research is performed at the faculties of Applied Sciences and the faculty of Aerospace Engineering, using in-house facilities for chemical synthesis, characterisation and computation. Performing experiments abroad at international large-scale neutron scattering and synchrotron facilities will also be an integral part of the work. The project receives funding from the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO/ACTS).

Conditions of employment

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2612
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: These positions have a temporary employment basis of four years (48 months).
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:

The successful candidate will be employed by the TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

For more information about this position, please contact F. M. Mulder, phone: +31 (0)15-2784870, e-mail: f.m.mulder@tudelft. nl. To apply, please send a detailed CV along with a letter of application before 30-04-2009 to Nicole Banga, e-mail: n.d.banga@tudelft. nl. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number TNWRRR07-069.

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

F. M. Mulder
Telephone number: +31 (0)15-2784870
E-mail address: f.m.mulder@tudelft. nl

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

* About the organization
* Technische Universiteit Delft

Application
You can apply for this job before 30-04-2009 by sending your application to:

Nicole Banga

E-mail address: n.d.banga@tudelft. nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number TNWRRR07-069.