Research Associate: Photoanode–Catalyst Interface Engineering for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion
26.01., Academic staff
The CO₂UPLED junior research group at the Walter Schottky Institute (TUM) is seeking a PhD candidate to develop oxynitride photoanodes and transparent catalyst layers for solar water splitting. We offer a Research Associate position (TV‑L E13 75%) with the possibility to pursue a PhD, access to state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, and integration into the SINATRA research initiative.
The ‑driven water splitting and CO2 reduction.
CO2UPLED aims to establish a knowledge-based approach to interface design, aiming to strategically integrate novel thin-film photoelectrode materials based on oxynitrides, transparent catalyst layers, and electrolytes. The methodology employed includes the creation of systematic material libraries, advanced spectroscopy methods under reaction conditions, and theoretical modeling. Ultimately, the project aims to seamlessly incorporate photoelectrode-catalyst couplings into tandem systems for water splitting and CO2 reduction, utilizing sunlight as the exclusive energy source.
The group is led by Applicant’s project
The PhD project focuses on photoelectrode-catalyst coupling, with emphasis on the photoanode side, including:
1. Development of transparent, conductive, and catalytically active OER catalyst layers for coupling with oxynitride photoanodes.
2. Optimization of interface formation using both dry and wet deposition routes.
3. Study of energy band alignment and charge‑transfer processes under operando conditions using advanced spectroscopies.
4. Identification of corrosion and degradation pathways and development of stabilization strategies.
5. Integration of optimized assemblies into tandem device architectures
Applicant's profile
The applicant should have:
6. Master’s degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or in a similar subject,
7. Experience in thin‑film deposition, electrochemistry, semiconductor characterization, or surface spectroscopy,
8. Strong interest in experimental research.
Our offer
9. Research Associate position with salary according to the TV-L E13, 75% tariff in Bavaria.
10. Access to advanced PEC, thin‑film, and spectroscopy facilities.
11. Opportunities for a structured doctoral training via the TUM Graduate School.
12. Opportunities for conference participation and collaboration within SINATRA