Background information
Green hydrogen is a key component of the global energy transition, but its large-scale deployment requires electrocatalysts that are efficient, stable, and affordable. Many conventional HER catalysts rely on scarce noble metals such as platinum, which are expensive and unsustainable for wide adoption. As a result, there is growing interest in biochar-based carbon electrodes derived from biomass waste streams.
Biochar offers a promising platform due to its tunable structure, high surface area and functional groups that can be tailored through chemical or thermal processing. When combined with metallic co-catalysts such as nickel, cobalt or iron nanoparticles, biochar electrodes can achieve enhanced catalytic activity and stability for HER.
This internship focuses on the fabrication, surface functionalization, metal loading, and electrochemical characterization of these sustainable electrode materials.
Assignment Description
You will fabricate and characterise biochar electrodes functionalized with metallic co-catalysts for application in HER.
Your tasks may include:
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Preparing biochar materials from biomass or working with pre-prepared biochar
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Conducting surface functionalisation (activation, oxidation, heteroatom doping)
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Depositing metal nanoparticles (Ni, Co, Fe) onto biochar surfaces
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Fabricating electrodes for electrochemical evaluation
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Performing electrochemical tests such as:
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Cyclic voltammetry (CV)
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Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
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Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV)
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Evaluating catalytic activity, stability and energy efficiency
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Comparing structural and processing variations to identify the most promising electrode designs
Research questions
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How can biochar electrodes be effectively functionalised with metallic co-catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction?
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How can the electrode composition and surface structure be optimised to improve catalytic activity, stability and efficiency?
Desired Skills
We are looking for a student with:
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Background in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, or mechanical engineering
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Knowledge of, or interest in, electrocatalysis and hydrogen production technologies
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Experience or enthusiasm for laboratory work and material preparation
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Familiarity with electrochemical techniques (CV, EIS, LSV) is an advantage
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Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving skills
Supervision
This internship will be supervised by Dr. Agha Zeeshan Ali.
Regular supervision meetings will be held to discuss experimental results, evaluate progress and provide guidance on laboratory work, data analysis and reporting.
Practical Details
Compensation: €350 per month
Working Language: English/Dutch