PhD Position

Development of Bimetallic Nanocomposite Catalysts with 2D Layered Structures for Fuel Cell Applications

About UM6P:
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is a leading institution of higher education and research, located in the Green City of Benguerir. With a mission to advance education, applied research, and innovation, UM6P is dedicated to fostering economic and human development in Morocco and across Africa.The university offers a cutting-edge learning environment with world-class infrastructure, including smart platforms, living labs, and advanced research centers. Its extensive academic and research network strengthens its role as a catalyst for transformative solutions to Africa's challenges. UM6P distinguishes itself through a unique partnership approach, collaborating with industry leaders to drive innovation and develop future-ready skills for students and professionals. Committed to fostering entrepreneurship and equipping the next generation of African leaders, UM6P actively contributes to Morocco and Africa's innovation ecosystem. Its dynamic collaborations reinforce its position as a pioneering institution, striving for excellence on national, continental, and global scales. Additionally, UM6P offers highly competitive incentives to attract and retain top-tier research talent, further amplifying its impact on science, technology, and sustainable development.

About LIMSET:
LIMSET (Laboratory of Inorganic Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies) is a dynamic group of professors, scientists, researchers and engineers dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through cutting-edge research and specialized training. The laboratory focuses on the design, development, and optimization of inorganic materials for various applications in energy storage, conversion, and hydrogen technologies. LIMSET's research extents multiple disciplines, including electrochemistry, materials science, computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and process engineering, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling global energy challenges. By integrating fundamental research with industrial applications, the laboratory aims to accelerate the development of high-performance materials for thermal energy storage, all-solid-state batteries, and green hydrogen and ammonia production. In addition to scientific advancements, LIMSET is committed to technology transfer and capacity building, working closely with industry partners to enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan and African companies.

Project Summary

We are inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in the field of nanomaterials and electrochemical energy conversion systems. The successful candidate will work on the design, synthesis, and characterization of bimetallic nanocomposite catalysts integrated with two-dimensional (2D) layered structures, with a specific focus on their application in fuel cell technologies.

Fuel cells offer a clean and efficient method of energy conversion, but their widespread deployment is limited by the performance, durability, and cost of current electrocatalysts, particularly those used in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). This project addresses these challenges by developing innovative bimetallic nanocatalysts that combine the synergistic activity of two metals with the high surface area and tunable properties of 2D layered materials.

Research Objectives

• Design and Synthesis
• Material Characterization
• Electrochemical Testing
• Fuel Cell Integration

Expected Outcomes

• A novel class of bimetallic nanocomposite catalysts tailored for enhanced activity and durability in fuel cells.
• Fundamental understanding of structure–property–performance relationships at the nanoscale.

High-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and potential for patent applications.

Benefits:

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and instrumentation.
• Opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers in materials and energy technologies.
• Participation in national and international conferences and workshops.
• Support for publishing in high-impact journals.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Nanotechnology, or a related field.
• Strong background in nanomaterials synthesis, electrochemistry, or catalysis.
• Experience with material characterization and electrochemical techniques is desirable.
• Proficiency in scientific writing and data analysis.
• Highly motivated, independent, and collaborative.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with fuel cell technologies.
• Knowledge of 2D materials and metal nanostructures.
• Previous experience in publishing scientific articles.
• Familiar with risk assessment and safe working procedures in a chemical laboratory.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English.
• Hands on experience in sample preparation.

Application Process :

• A cover letter detailing their research interests and experience.
• A detailed CV including academic achievements, publications, and relevant work experience.
• Contact information for at least three academic references, one should be supervisor.

Working conditions of the position:
Deadline: The selection process ends once the candidates are selected
Start of contract: October 1st, 2025
Location: UM6P, Benguerir