Why apply?
This multidisciplinary project integrates electrochemistry, metal–organic framework-based materials, and membrane chemistry to develop the next generation of high-performance membranes and unlock new possibilities for advanced molecular separation and transport.
Can you design the membrane that powers the next generation of electrolysers?
Electrolysis and electrocatalysis have a key role to play in creating a more sustainable chemical industry. At the heart of these technologies are membranes that control the transport of protons and other species—but today’s proton exchange membranes rely heavily on PFAS-based materials such as Nafion®. We are looking for a PhD candidate to develop a new generation of high-performance, PFAS-free proton-conductive membranes. In this project, you will combine the unique properties of proton-conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with those of proton-conductive polymers to create innovative membrane materials. You will systematically investigate how molecular structure, composition, and membrane architecture determine proton transport and overall performance. Your research will span materials chemistry, membrane science, and electrochemistry. You will establish design principles for high-performance proton-conductive membranes and put your materials to the test in different electrolyser configurations. This is an opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental materials science and real-world energy technology, with the ambition to develop membrane materials that can help enable a cleaner and more sustainable chemical industry. The PhD students will be supervised by Dennis Hetterscheid (Leiden Institute of Chemistry).
Where you will work
Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.
Thanks to its committed and inspired employees, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Every year, Leiden University scores very well in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.
Faculty of Science & Leiden Institute of Chemistry
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to contribute to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
The research is embedded within the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, with its long-standing traditions of excellence in research. Apart from a state-of-the-art electrochemistry laboratory, and excellent synthesis facilities, preparation and measurement facilities, unconventional nanofabrication equipment and experimental setups to measure ion transport will be designed supported by outstanding mechanical and electronic workshops. We foster an international and collaborative atmosphere and have close ties to other institutes housed within our Faculty of Science and with many research groups within the Netherlands, and many prominent labs abroad.
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.