Internship – Fuel Cell Catalyst testing and coating development

At PowerCell, we develop both fuel cell stacks and systems for various applications. The continuous improvement of efficiency, performance and durability is very important. The core of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) where two of the main components are the anode and cathode electrodes. The electrodes, prepared in a thin film coating process, consist of catalysts and additives. The selection of catalysts as well as the consistent high quality of the electrodes are of particular importance in further improving the performance and durability of the MEA.

We are therefore looking for an Internship Student to support us in our process of fuel cell catalyst evaluation and electrode development. The work will be carried out at our development laboratory in Gothenburg. Starting date preferably August.

Possible topics:

• Evaluation of Pt/C catalysts by electrochemical testing with the rotating disk electrode (RDE)
• Optimization of the RDE thin film coating quality
• Preparation of catalyst inks using typical ink preparation procedures
• Characterization of the catalyst inks
• Preparation and characterization of the electrodes

Required qualifications:

• Successful participation in a M.Sc. program in materials science, chemical engineering, technical physics or similar
• Practical experience of laboratory work
• Knowledge in electrochemistry
• Self-driven, highly engaged, and motivated personality, with a strong problem-solving approach
• In your work you have a high safety awareness and appreciate accuracy and precision
• Fluent in English, both oral and written

Additional desirable qualifications:

• Experience with the RDE method
• PEM fuel cell knowledge / experimental experience
• Swedish language skills

Read more about us at https://careers.powercellgroup.com/