Faculty of Engineering
Research project description
The Van der Heijden Lab at the University of Waterloo invites applications for a PhD position focused on materials and electrode development for chlor alkali electrolysis, with particular emphasis on electrocatalysis, porous electrode architectures, and reaction engineering.
This PhD project is part of a broader research program in applied electrochemical technologies for real world systems. The successful candidate will focus on the design and fabrication of advanced 3D porous electrodes, catalysts, and electrolytes, and on understanding how these components influence selectivity, efficiency, and stability during electrolysis. The research combines fundamental studies of electrocatalytic processes and transport phenomena with applied performance evaluation in electrolysis systems, with the goal of enabling efficient, robust, and scalable devices for practical deployment.
The research will focus on topics including:
- Design and fabrication of 3D porous electrodes and catalysts
- Electrochemical characterization (e.g., three-electrode systems, impedance spectroscopy)
- Analytical characterization of materials and electrochemical products
- Integration of components into electrolysis systems
- Understanding transport phenomena, kinetics, and selectivity in electrochemical systems
Key responsibilities:
- Conduct independent, hands-on experimental research in electrochemical systems
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments related to electrodes and electrolysis systems
- Contribute to collaborative projects
- Support mentoring of undergraduate and MASc students where appropriate
- Contribute to publications, presentations, and technical reporting
Fields of research:
- Electrochemistry
- Porous electrode design
- Electrolysis
- Electrocatalysis
- Electrochemical and analytical characterization
- Transport phenomena
- Kinetics
Qualifications and ideal student profile
Prospective graduate student researchers must meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements for the programs connected to this opportunity. Visit the program pages using the links on this page to learn more about minimum admission requirements. In addition to minimum requirements, the research supervisor is looking for the following qualifications and student profile.
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
- Strong interest in electrochemistry, reaction engineering, or materials development
- Demonstrated experimental experience (e.g., lab research, thesis work)
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
- Motivation to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
Eligibility requirements (strict):
Due to the fixed start date (September) and administrative constraints, applicants must already be legally eligible to study in Canada at the time of application.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Canadian citizen, or
- Canadian permanent resident, or
- Currently hold a valid Canadian study permit or visa that allows them to begin the program in September and is valid for the duration of the program (ore renewable)
- Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
Faculty researcher and supervisor
- Maxime van der Heijden
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
View faculty profile →
van der Heijden lab website →
Graduate programs connected to this project
Important dates
Electrocatalysis and Porous Electrode Design for Chlor Alkali Electrolysis is accepting expressions of interest for intake in the fall 2026 term (firm; no later start dates possible).