PhD Position: Next-Generation Nanomaterial Development for Hydrogen Sensors

PhD Position: Next-Generation Nanomaterial Development for Hydrogen Sensors 

Reference number REF 2025-0005 

Join the Langhammer group in developing next-generation nanomaterials that will pioneer cutting-edge hydrogen (H₂) sensors to drive the clean energy transition. Work at the forefront of nanotechnology, sustainability, and advanced materials science to develop new materials for safer, more efficient hydrogen energy solutions for a sustainable future.

About the project
The transition to sustainable energy requires new technologies, and hydrogen (H₂) plays a key role. However, the flammability of H₂-air mixtures necessitates high-performance safety sensors, which current technologies fail to deliver.

The Langhammer group has pioneered plasmonic optical H₂ sensors (ACS Sensors 2020), utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance in hydride-forming metal nanoparticles. These sensors offer spark-free, fiber-optics-compatible detection with exceptional response and detection limits—ideal for transport, aviation, and confined spaces.

This project aims to:

• Investigate so-called high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles for their hydrogen sorption properties and induced changes in optical properties.
• Develop a new nanofabrication method for HEA nanoparticles on surfaces using our microshutter tool (ACS Nano 2023), to enable rapid screeing of the hydrogen absorption in many alloy compositions simultaneously.
• Apply advanced multiplexed single-particle optical microscopy (ACS Photonics 2019) to study the HEA nanostructure - H₂ interaction.
• Investigate how nanostructuring impacts hydride formation thermodynamics and kinetics in HEAs and enables superior H₂ sorption properties.

Outcomes will contribute to sustainable and safe hydrogen technologies by demonstrating nanostructured HEAs as:

1. Efficient solid-state H₂ storage materials.
2. High-performance materials for plasmonic H₂ sensors.

About the research group:
The Langhammer group at the Chemical Physics Division specializes in nanomaterials science, catalysis, nanoplasmonics, nanofluidics and sensors, focusing on sustainable energy-related nanomaterials. Furthermore, we develop advanced optical microscopy techniques, state-of-the-art nanofabrication methodologies and custom research instruments. Learn more:

• Langhammer Group
• Chemical Physics Division

About WISE – Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability:
This position is part of WISE, Sweden’s largest materials science investment, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WISE promotes sustainability through cutting-edge materials research across Sweden’s top universities.

As a WISE researcher, you will join the WISE Research School, participating in seminars, courses, research visits, and networking activities. Learn more: WISE Research School

About the TechForH2 Competence Center:
This position will also be affiliated with TechForH2, a Competence Centre for multidisciplinary hydrogen research hosted by Chalmers and financially supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and the member companies Volvo, Scania, Siemens Energy, GKN Aerospace, PowerCell, Oxeon, RISE, Stena Rederier AB, Johnsson Matthey, and Insplorion.

Contract terms and what we offer

• The PhD positions are fully funded from start
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover more
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here. 

Your role and responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments in collaboration with the team.
• Develop advanced nanofabrication techniques for HEA nanoparticle arrays.
• Perform plasmonic nanospectroscopy and imaging to study hydrogen absorption at the single-particle level.
• Characterize samples using electron microscopy and related techniques.
• Analyze complex datasets, potentially using machine learning tools developed in the group.
• Present results within the team and at international conferences.
• Supervise Master’s students and teach undergraduates (up to 20%).

Who we are looking for

Mandatory:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Nanoscience, or Materials Science.
• Experimental Master’s thesis in a relevant area.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills in English (TOEFL scores required if applicable).

Preferred (in order):

• Background in plasmonics, plasmonic sensing, or micro-/nanofabrication.
• Experience or coursework in machine learning.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Micro-/nanofabrication
• Nanoplasmonics
• Metal hydrides
• Advanced optical microscopy
• Programming (Python, MATLAB) and simulation tools (Comsol, Lumerical).
• Data analysis, especially using machine learning.

Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

• CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name)
• Personal letter (Please name the document: Personal letter, Family name)
• Two references that we can contact
• Bachelor’s and, if available, master’s thesis together with the transcripts.
• Documents confirming your English proficiency: e.g. TOEFL/IELTS test results, a course/project report written in English (if your bachelor’s/master’s thesis is not in English).
• Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline:  March 16, 2025

For questions, please contact:  Christoph Langhammer, Chemical Physics, Physics, clangham@chalmers.se, +46(0)317723331

We look forward to your application!

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

Chalmers University of Technology

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Deadline: 2025-03-16
Location: Sweden, Gothenburg
Categories: Experimental Physics, Applied Physics, Experimental skills, Materials Science, nanoscience, PhD, Physics,

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