The Advanced Energy Technologies (AET) Directorate at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking to hire a postdoctoral appointee for fabricating and testing bipolar membranes (BPMs) for electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) separations. The candidate will be a part of the Applied Materials Division (AMD) within AET at Argonne and will contribute to the Lab’s broader effort in carbon management R&D. The role will require the individual to work with personnel that perform machine learning and molecular simulations and electrochemical device testing.

The candidate is expected to fabricate bipolar membranes (BPMs) from commercially available anion and cation exchange membranes and ionomers or in-house synthesized ionomer materials. The candidate should be proficient in electrochemistry or electrochemical engineering for measuring membrane ionic conductivity, ion-exchange capacity, and water uptake. The ability to characterize reverse bias and forward bias polarization behavior of BPM materials is a plus. Furthermore, we will teach the candidate how to fabricate membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for electrochemical CO2 separations; however, experience in making MEAs is a plus.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science and engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, and/or closely related discipline

• Expertise in membrane fabrication and measuring the electrochemical properties of ionomer membranes.

• The ability to work collaboratively with teams and individuals in other divisions, laboratories, and companies.

• Skilled communication skills – both written and oral at all levels of the organization.

• The successful candidate will need to present research at technical meetings and publish results in peer reviewed journal articles.

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge in BPM fabrication and testing the polarization behavior of BPMs.

• The ability to synthesize anion- and cation-exchange ionomers using super-acid catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation.

• The ability to fabricate MEAs for single-cell electrochemical testing.

• Experience in interdisciplinary collaborative research.

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