The Department of Interface Science headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya at the Fritz Haber Institute carries out cutting-edge research on advanced functional materials with applications in heterogeneous catalysis, energy conversion and electrochemistry. By combining unique synthesis methods, state-of-the art tools for experimental characterization and advanced approaches to data analysis, atomistic details of thermal catalysis and electrochemical reactions at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces are revealed. In particular, structure-reactivity correlations on nanostructured materials can be established, paving the way for the rational design of novel catalytic materials.
We currently offer a PostDoc Position (m/f/d) in the group Dynamics at Electrocatalytic Interface at the Department of Interface Science.
The successful candidate will participate in our endeavor to increase the fundamental understanding of physical and chemical processes at the solid liquid interface during coupled direct air capture (DAC) and CO2 electroreduction (DAC-CO2RR) into hydrocarbons and alcohols under industrially-relevant conditions. The goal is to identify the potential of combining CO2-capturing molecular additives and electrocatalytic CO2RR to enable the sustainable production of synthesis gas as well as alcohols, hydrocarbons and other valuable chemicals. We aim to identify reaction bottlenecks and develop strategies on the atomic as well as device level to improve DAC-CO2RR for industrial applications.
In the project, the tasks of the successful candidate will be to study the electrocatalytic performance (activity, selectivity and stability) of oxide-derived and thin film Cu and Ag electrocatalysts during DAC-CO2RR, develop innovative electrode or electrochemical cell configurations to improve the catalytic performance of DAC-CO2RR. Additionally, state-of-the-art laboratory- and synchrotron-based operando methods such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption, X-ray photoemission and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy will be applied by the candidate or in collaboration with other members of our department. Close collaboration with existing industrial partners is expected to ensure efficient knowledge exchange.