Ceramic Processing Intern

Ammonia is a carbon-free fuel with high hydrogen content, easy storage, and established global transport infrastructure, making it a strong candidate for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors. Its use is particularly attractive in maritime and stationary power applications, where low-carbon alternatives to conventional fuels are urgently needed.

Direct ammonia solid oxide fuel cells (NH3-SOFCs) offer an efficient pathway to convert ammonia directly into electricity without external reforming. However, conventional nickel-based anodes degrade under ammonia due to nitrogen poisoning. Novel oxide/oxynitride phases are promising alternatives, offering mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, high catalytic activity, and structural stability. This project aims to develop and evaluate novel anode materials for NH3-SOFCs, targeting catalytic performance, durability, and operational stability to support maritime and onshore ammonia power systems.

NH3-SOFC programme is hiring a highly motivated Ceramic Processing research intern with a strong interest in experimental materials science, particularly in energy technologies and electrochemistry, to explore microstructure effects on NH3-SOFC. The candidate should demonstrate rigor, initiative, and teamwork skills, as well as good interpersonal abilities.

You will contribute to electrode slurry preparation, symmetric cell fabrication and microstructural characterisation. A key responsibility of this role is the preparation of symmetric button cells using equipment such as a screen printer followed by microstructure characterisation and data analysis.

Requirements:

• Education: Currently enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate or graduate program in Material Science/Engineering or a closely related physics/chemistry field.
• Background in material science
• Experience with ceramic powder processing  
• Hands-on experience/understanding of basic material characterisation methods (thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy etc.)
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required, as group meetings, supervision, and reporting will be conducted in English.

Main Duties:

• Independently prepare ceramic slurries and optimise the recipe under guidance.
• Independently fabricate the symmetric button cells (screen printing and calcination).
• Perform necessary material characterisations under guidance; analyse and understand the obtained data; and produce clear, reproducible experiment reports.
• Plan and execute work efficiently with good time management, communicate progress promptly, and collaborate effectively with the team.
• Uphold high standards of research integrity.

Duration: 3-9 months

Stipend: $1,500 per month

Informal enquiries are greatly welcome and can be directed to Dr Zonghao Shen (zonghao.shen12@imperial.ac.uk).

Questions about the recruitment process, should go to the HR at Imperial Global Singapore hrigsingapore@imperial.ac.uk.