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 high safety standards and environmental benefits of aqueous systems. Yet, key challenges exist regarding the reversibility, energy density and the long-term stability of such systems.
The PostDoc position in this project will focus on the stack development for reversible reduction of highly concentrated bicarbonate/ formate solutions on the 1-3 kW scale, and benchmark the system against known vanadium redox couples used in vanadium flow batteries. Moreover the PostDoc will develop a trickle bed reactor (storage tank) containing a so-called ‘booster’, and evaluate the possibility of combining the booster-based redox chemistry half-cell, with the bicarbonate/formate half-cell. The PostDoc position is part of a larger project, called “Redox Blend” with other universities, and research institutes (DIFFER and TNO), within the National Growth Fund program Circular Batteries.
Information and application
Interested? Send your application before March 31st, 2026 through the provided button, which should include:
- transcript of your MSc course grades – executive summary of your PhD thesis and DOI
- CV, including publication list
- motivation letter targeted to the project as a whole and/or the specific subprojects mentioned above
- contact info of at least two references.
The position is available from April 1, 2026, the starting date is negotiable.
For more information (but no direct applications), you are encouraged to contact Prof. Guido Mul, g.mul@utwente.nl.
Screening is part of the selection procedure
About the department
The group of Prof. Guido Mul (<https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/pcs/>) is part of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Twente, and collaborates strongly with other groups in the Department, such as the Sustainable Process Technology Group. Among others, the department aims to develop energy materials, and technology for the sustainable (electrified) production of chemicals.
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.
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