PhD Scholarships in Large-Area Nanostructured Substrates for Test of Electrocatalyst

PhD at Aalborg University Denmark

Aalborg University plays a significant role in enhancing global society's knowledge base and advancing the prosperity, welfare, and cultural development of Danish society. This is achieved through engaging in research, providing education based on research findings, delivering services to the public sector, and fostering collaborative knowledge-sharing endeavors. AAU prepares students for the future, emphasizing a dynamic and transformative partnership with the surrounding community as the foundation for its activities.

The PhD position is part of the 2023 CAPeX PhD and Postdoc cohort call, which includes 9 PhD and 5 postdoc positions. CAPeX is a 13-year and 300 MDKK Pioneer Center for Accelerating P2X Materials Discovery, funded by various foundations and hosted by DTU with co-hosting by AAU. It brings together experts from multiple universities, including international partners, to form a pioneering center on P2X. More information about CAPeX and other positions can be found at www.capex-p2x.com.

PhD Project Description

The project aims to fabricate catalysts on 100 mm diameter silicon wafers using industrial equipment. These wafers will be used as the base for synthesizing nanowires with a high surface to volume ratio. Through a dry-etching process, it is possible to engineer the geometric structures and arrangements of the nanowires. The catalytic properties of the silicon nanowires will be customized through surface coatings and decoration with metal nanoparticles, particularly those from the Pt group. XRD will be used to characterize the phase and crystallography, while SEM/FIB/EDX will examine the morphology of the samples.

The experience gained from working with such systems will be valuable for testing new material combinations developed by other groups within the CAPeX project.

You may obtain further information from Professor Kjeld Pedersen, Department of Materials and Production, phone: 99409220, email:kp@mp.aau.dk, concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD Requirements

The applicant must provide and upload a proper project description, which describes the applicants initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art(including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. The project description should have a length of not more than 4-5 pages.

Moreover, knowledge of materials science through university level courses or project work is preferred. Furthermore, the candidate should be highly motivated and willing to work in a team. Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are requirements

PhD Benefits

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

How to Apply

When applying, you must indicate if you have also applied for other positions in the 2023 CAPeX cohort call. When relevant, you are encouraged to do so, and please indicate which positions you have applied for.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link"Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

A letter motivating the application(cover letter)
Curriculum vitae
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system
Publications(if applicable)

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. You may apply prior to obtaining your PhD's degree but cannot begin before having received it.