Process engineer nanostructured electrodes for water electrolysis

What you will do

The utilization of renewable energy sources to convert e.g. CO2 and H2O to valuable chemicals (power-to-X) is a key factor in enabling the transition to a more sustainable future. For example, the electrolysis of water for the formation of H2, can serve as a medium for energy storage or as building block for the further conversion to a variety of different molecules. A general requirement will always be an energy-efficient and performant conversion to be economically viable; especially in view of Europe’s ambitious goal to cover of up to 2250 TWh of energy consumption by hydrogen in 2050 (24% of the total).

At imec we developed a novel type of 3D nano-porous electrodes with an area enhancement of about 130x compared to the geometric electrode area over an electrode thickness of only 5µm. These electrodes offer a tunable high porosity of more than 75% and mechanical stability as a fully freestanding electrode that is given through interconnected nanowires and an integrated porous support structure. Furthermore, fabrication of the electrodes is done through a scalable process, which can be brought to industrially relevant dimensions.

You will be part of a team upscaling existing as well as newly developed processes and fabricate nanostructured electrodes for the use in water electrolysis and other electrocatalytic cells. You will work closely together with an R&D engineer and other internal and external (industrial and academic) collaborators to transfer processes to a new semi-automated process line and play a central role in its operation and in the continuous fabrication of electrodes. You will be responsible for the smooth and stable operation of the line, which requires a good insight in the working mechanisms of the tool and the (electro-)chemical processes themselves. Guaranteeing the stability of these processes and the quality of the electrodes will be essential for their subsequent use.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology in our new state-of-the-art energy research facilities located on the Thor Park EnergyVille campus in Genk, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will define the society of tomorrow.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer (http://www.imec-int.com/en/careers#diversity) and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. In everything we do, your future colleagues are guided by the imec values of passion, excellence, connectedness and integrity. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

• We are looking for candidates with a hands-on attitude and experience with (electro-)chemical processes and process integration.
• You have a master’s degree in science or engineering.
• You have experience with (electro-)chemical processes on larger area substrates (up to 1000 cm2).
• You have a hands-on work attitude.
• You take initiative and work independently, while being part of a team.
• You pay attention to details when working and reporting.
• You are result-driven and can meet stringent deadlines with quality output.

The imec environment requires a good team player with competent communication and reporting skills. Given the international character of imec an impeccable knowledge of English is mandatory.