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Nanocrystal-polymer composite separators for water and CO2 electroreduction.
Master projects/internships - Leuven | More than two weeks ago
Nanocrystals can be the next generation of electrolytes that the power to molecules challenge is looking for... let’s design and build them together!
Advanced electrolyzers are a promising platform for the so-called Power to molecules approach, in which electric current is employed to transform molecules on demand. This transformation addresses two of the most pressing challenges facing humankind: renewable hydrogen production and CO2 conversion. To be successful, both in terms of performance and stability, future electrolyzer’s development must be done in consideration of the whole entity, to ensure proper interplay between electrodes and electrolyte.
At imec, the current development of nano architectured electrodes is complemented with the design of innovative separators that offer intrinsic ionic conductivity while providing a barrier that minimizes the undesired gas and liquid migration (crossover) between anodic and cathodic compartments.
As an alternative to the expensive and chemically unstable ion conductive polymers, ion conductive inorganic phases can be considered. Among them, 2D crystals can boost the ionic conductivity do to their unique intrinsic in-plane ion conduction properties. However, these nanocrystals should be properly distributed within the separator to perform the expected functionality. In addition, they should offer reliable integration paths with the electrodes ranging from traditional liquid electrolyte configuration to operations directly from the gas phase.
In this project, you will design, develop and characterize new nanostructured 2D inorganic crystals embedded within polymeric porous separators, employing mild sol gel chemistry. These advanced composite separators will be tailored to fulfill the specific requirements of water or CO2 reduction common problems, including tolerance to alkaline and or reactive oxygen species driven corrosion as well as solid carbonate’s crust formation. You will explore and rationalize the inherent conductivity and stability of advanced setups in realistic operations.
Required background: Chemistry, materials science and engineering, nanotechnology
Type of project: Thesis
Required degree: Master of Bioengineering
Required background: Bioscience Engineering
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact: Philippe Vereecken (Philippe.Vereecken@imec.be) and Matias Jobbagy (Matias.Jobbagy@imec.be)