PhD Position: In situ NMR for Green Ammonia Synthesis
Radboud University – Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC)
The MReChem group is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the development and application of cutting-edge in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods to unravel the mechanism of lithium-mediated electrochemical ammonia synthesis, a leading candidate for decarbonizing one of the world’s most important chemical processes.
Project background
Ammonia production via the Haber–Bosch process underpins modern agriculture but accounts for ~3% of global COâ‚‚ emissions. Lithium-mediated electrochemical nitrogen reduction offers a promising low-carbon alternative, yet its energy efficiency remains limited due to an incomplete mechanistic understanding. This PhD project is part of an NWO Vidi-funded program aiming to close this gap by developing interface-selective, operando NMR methods that can directly probe lithium metal, the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), and reactive intermediates under realistic reaction conditions.
Group website: https://www.ewzhaogroup.org/; https://www.mrrc.nl/
Reference:
3. Luo R, Gunnarsdóttir A B, Aspers R L E G, Zhao E W “In situ NMR guided design of alkaline electrochemical ammonia synthesis” Science Advances, in press.
2. Luo R, Janssen H J W G, Kentgens A P M, Zhao E W “A parallel line probe for spatially selective electrochemical NMR spectroscopy” J. Magn. Reson. 2024, 361, 107666 (Front cover; Special Issue: New Voices in Magnetic Resonance; Invited).
1. Zhao E W, Liu T, Jónsson E, Lee J, Temprano I, Jethwa B J, Wang A, Smith H, Carretero-González J, Song Q, Grey C P “In situ NMR metrology reveals reaction mechanisms in redox flow batteries” Nature 2020, 579, 224.
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Your role
As a PhD candidate, you will:
•Apply a newly developed eReactor NMR probe to study lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis under operando conditions.
•Investigate the role of proton donors, SEI composition, and lithium metal morphology on nitrogen activation and nitridation kinetics.
•Combine multinuclear in situ NMR, solid-state MAS NMR, electrochemistry, and complementary techniques such as cryo-EM (via international collaborations).
•Contribute to high-impact publications and present your results at international conferences.
•Collaborate with (inter)national research groups in the field of electrochemical ammonia synthesis
•Mentor Master’s and Bachelor students
What we offer
•A fully funded 4-year PhD position in an internationally leading NMR environment.
•Net monthly salaries (including 16% holiday allowances): Year 1 €3548, Year 2 €4113, Year 3 €4301, Year 4 €4501.
•Access to the unique infrastructure of the MRRC, including state-of-the-art ultra-high-field solid-state, solution, benchtop, and custom-built NMR instrumentation.
•Close collaboration with experts in NMR methodology, electrochemistry, and energy materials, as well as industrial and international academic partners.
•Training at the interface of physical chemistry, electrochemistry, and advanced NMR spectroscopy, with strong prospects for an international research career.
Candidate profile
We are looking for a candidate with:
•A Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
•Strong interest in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, electrochemistry and/or scientific instrumentation development.
•Motivation to work on fundamental questions with clear societal relevance.
•Experience with NMR, battery research or electrochemistry is an advantage.
•Good communication skills, with the ability to clearly present scientific results in writing and in discussions.
•Ability to work effectively in a diverse, international research team, and to collaborate across disciplines.
How to apply
Please email Evan:
•A motivation letter describing your research interests and background.
•A CV including education and relevant experience.
•Contact details of at least two referees.