Based on very promising preliminary results, obtained with model low-performance photoanodes, through a joint collaboration with Toyota Motor Europe, we aim to expand the concept to state-of-the-art photoelectrodes that can be scaled up. The source of our inspiration is the latest conventional PEC cell strategies which however cannot be directly applied in air based PEM-PEC operation.
Vacancies
Internship
Evaluating plasmonic heating and hot-charge carrier effects in plasmon-driven syntheses
Postdoc position
This position is part of a recently granted NWO project, entitled CO2SPARE, which is aimed at the valorisation of CO2 in biogas. This project is executed jointly with the Non-equilibrium Fuel Conversion (NFC) group of DIFFER. It entails fundamental studies of the reverse Boudouard reaction, in support of an overall process involving pyrolysis of methane follows by reaction of CO2 with the carbon thus formed.
Internship
In the PSN group we are interested in the strong interaction between light and matter. This is a quickly evolving field of research in which new materials, experimental techniques and theories are realized continuously. In our group, we have developed a unique near-field microscope that can detect and analyse radiation in the deep infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., the terahertz (THz) frequency range. This region holds great promise for applications in non-invasive testing, imaging and spectroscopy as well as high speed wireless communication.
Postdoc position
Through a joint collaboration Exergy Storage (SME) and DIFFER aim with a consortium of partners to realize a prototype battery operating in this intermediate temperature window suitable for residential storage unit through the project NaSTOR. In this context, the role of DIFFER is particularly to focus on the challenges related with the NaSBs cathodic compartment.
PhD position
Research: Both the heat exhaust problem (how to remove heat from the core) and core transport (how to reduce heat losses) in nuclear fusion reactors are governed by sets of coupled partial differential equations (PDEs). Hence, for improving both the core plasma and reducing the heat exhaust these coupled PDEs play a crucial role and need to be modelled, estimated, and controlled.
Internship
Strong-light matter coupling has emerged as a major cross-disciplinary field of study over recent years. This regime was originally constrained to the realm of low-temperature studies, however, extensions to room temperature through advances in the fabrication of nanophotonic structures have opened the door for numerous new research lines. In this manner, strong-coupling has been proposed as a means for modifying the internal physics of condensed matter systems, with great potential for light-harvesting, energy-transport and catalysis.
Internship
Strong-light matter coupling has emerged as a major cross-disciplinary field of study over recent years. This regime was originally constrained to the realm of low-temperature studies, however, extensions to room temperature through advances in the fabrication of nanophotonic structures have opened the door for numerous new research lines.
Internship
The discovery of new energy materials is becoming a large-scale challenge that is far beyond the reach of experimentation but also stretching the limits of conventional computation. At DIFFER; we are working on to improve the speed and the prediction power of computation for the discovery of new solar energy conversion and energy storage materials.
Internship
Our future energy infrastructure will need ways of efficiently converting, transporting and storing electricity from sustainable but fluctuating sources. One approach uses sustainable electricity for the reverse combustion of atmospheric CO2 into so-called solar fuels, thereby converting electricity into the chemical bonds of high-density fuels. DIFFER pursues plasma-assisted conversion of CO2 into CO and O2 as an exciting new approach to recycling carbon dioxide into fuels, thereby closing the carbon cycle and eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
