Electrocatalysis has been gaining prominence lately as an essential part of sustainable energy technology innovation, leading to significant advancements in hydrogen generation, CO2 conversion, and greener chemical manufacturing. Are you interested in studying at Linköping University? Check out a fully-funded PhD in Electrocatalysis for Sustainable Energy Conversion.
The position involves both basic research in electro-catalysis and practical application in electrolyser systems design, making it highly relevant today.
PhD in Electrocatalysis Overview
There is a PhD opportunity at Linköping University on electrocatalysis in the Department of Materials Design. The research will entail working with catalysts and electrochemical systems for energy production.
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Institution: Linköping University, Sweden
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Research Group: Lizhou Fan Group
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Duration: 4 years (extendable to 5 years with teaching)
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Start Date: Flexible
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Application Deadline: 3 June 2026
PhD in Electrocatalysis Research Areas
This research focuses on many high-impact topics in electrochemical energy conversion:
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CO₂ electroreduction into valuable chemicals
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Water splitting for hydrogen production (HER/OER)
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Biomass-derived molecule upgrading
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Small-molecule electrocatalysis
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Electrolyzer system and reactor optimization
The project intends to connect theoretical knowledge with catalytic activity, which is more and more often required in research and industry.
Key Responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will work on both the materials level and the device level. Your main responsibilities will involve:
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Designing and synthesizing electrocatalysts
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Performing electrochemical testing and performance optimization
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Conducting operando spectroscopy (e.g., Raman, FTIR, XAS)
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Investigating catalytic mechanisms
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Developing and optimizing electrolyzer configurations
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Publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences
You may also participate in other departmental activities and/or teaching (up to 20% of your time).
PhD in Electrocatalysis Requirements
Essential:
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Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field
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Strong written and spoken English skills
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred:
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Background in electrochemistry or electrocatalysis
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Experience in catalyst synthesis and characterization
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Knowledge of CO₂ reduction or water splitting
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Familiarity with operando spectroscopy techniques
Research Environment
The post will be hosted by the Lizhou Fan Group at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, which focuses on electrocatalysis, operando spectroscopy, and electrolyzer design for sustainable energy technologies.
The Division of Materials Design offers an extremely interdisciplinary environment that encompasses:
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Materials synthesis and characterization
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Electrochemical analysis
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Theoretical modeling
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Device-level performance evaluation
In addition, the Lizhou Fan Group collaborates extensively with world-leading research groups, ensuring excellent exposure and networking opportunities.
Why This PhD in Electrocatalysis Stands Out
Several factors make this position especially attractive:
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It combines fundamental catalysis with practical device engineering, which is still relatively rare
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Strong emphasis on operando techniques, a highly valuable skill set in modern catalysis research
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Direct relevance to green hydrogen and carbon-neutral technologies
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Exposure to both materials design and system-level optimization
If the candidate has expertise in energy storage devices (for example, supercapacitors), then his/her knowledge can be extended in reaction-based electrochemistry.
Salary and Benefits
In Sweden, PhD programs are fully funded, and they have excellent terms and conditions:
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Monthly salary with structured progression
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Work-life balance and supportive research environment
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Opportunities for teaching and professional development
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Access to advanced research infrastructure
Application Details
The application has to be done via the portal of Linköping University before:
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Deadline: 3 June 2026
For more information, click here or contact Assistant Professor Lizhou Fan via +46 738719262 or [email protected]
Make sure to prepare:
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CV
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Academic transcripts
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Motivation letter
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Any relevant publications or project experience
Who Should Apply?
This position is available for:
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Graduates in electrochemistry, materials science, or catalysis
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Researchers interested in sustainable energy technologies
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Candidates looking to gain expertise in both electrocatalysis and electrolyzer systems
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Individuals aiming to build skills in operando characterization techniques
For those interested in a career in the overlap between materials science, electrochemistry, and renewable energy, a good opportunity to do relevant research is presented in this PhD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the PhD position fully funded?
Yes, all PhD positions in Sweden are fully funded. The students receive a stipend each month with yearly increments. Employment benefits are also provided.
2. What kinds of research projects are done in this PhD in electrocatalysis?
The current research focuses on electrocatalysis for renewable energy production, specifically CO₂ reduction, water electrolysis (HER, OER), biomass conversion, and electrolyzer design and optimization.
3. Is previous experience in electrocatalysis necessary?
Previous experience in electrocatalysis is desired, but not necessarily required. Previous experience in electrochemistry, materials science, and catalysis will give you an edge.
4. What kind of experiments can I perform in this lab?
The experimental techniques include electrochemical measurements (cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), catalyst preparation, and operando spectroscopy (Raman, Fourier-transform infrared, and extended X-ray absorption spectroscopy).
5. Is prior knowledge of operando spectroscopy essential?
Prior knowledge of operando or in situ spectroscopy is preferred but not necessary.
6. Can applicants from outside the country apply to this PhD?
Yes, the application is open for candidates from abroad, and the working language of the research team will be English.
7. How long is the PhD program usually?
This type of PhD usually takes 4 years; in case of involvement in teaching and other duties, the duration might extend to 5 years.
8. What are the future prospects after doing this PhD?
The graduates may work in academic positions or in research institutions or in various industrial sectors of energy storage, hydrogen production, and carbon capture.
9. Is the position a tough one to get?
There will be some degree of competition involved in applying for any electrocatalysis PhD program, especially in Europe. Excellent academic results and a motivation letter may help.
10. Is this PhD similar to a PhD in energy storage such as supercapacitors?
No, whereas the supercapacitor focuses on charge storage, this PhD would concentrate more on reactions such as CO₂ reduction and hydrogen evolution.
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