This project aims to develop the next generation of organic redox mediators for aqueous redox flow batteries. Redox flow batteries hold promise for long-duration storage of electrical energy, and aqueous redox flow batteries aim to combine the speed of storing and retrieving energy with the environmental benefits of aqueous systems. Yet, key challenges exist regarding the energy density and the long-term stability of such systems.
The PhD candidate in this project will focus on the design and synthesis of organic redox mediators that aim to improve the stability of the system, the development of materials that can function as solid booster materials to improve the energy density, and their assessment of performance in electrochemical and redox flow battery systems. The PhD candidate is part of a larger project, called “Redox Blend” with other universities and companies, within the National Growth Fund program Circular Batteries.
Information and application
Interested? Send your application before February 15th, 2026 through the provide button and should include:
- transcript of your MSc course grades
- CV, including publication list (when applicable)
- motivation letter targeted to the project as a whole and/or one of the specific subprojects mentioned above
- contact info of at least two references.
The starting date is negotiable.
For more information (but no direct applications), you are encouraged to contact Prof. Jurriaan Huskens, j.huskens@utwente.nl, and/or Guido Mul, g.mul@utwente.nl.
About the department
The group of Prof. Jurriaan Huskens, MNF is part of the Department of Molecules & Materials, while the group of Prof. Guido Mul, PCS is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Both groups are part of the MESA+ Institute and of the Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Twente. The PhD position will reside in both groups.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
