Description

This fellowship opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on research into the microstructure, internal dynamics, and materials physics and chemistry of advanced structural and functional ceramics. These ceramics are critical for technologies such as solid oxide and hydrogen fuel cells, carbon capture materials (including direct air capture and carbon mineralization), and other systems that support the hydrogen economy and U.S. energy independence.

The research aims to leverage state-of-the-art X-ray and neutron facilities to develop operando measurement methods that quantify three-dimensional void and phase microstructures and their dynamics in ceramic materials. This includes studying changes during service life and processing conditions, with applications relevant to electrodes and electrolytes in fuel cells, fuel reforming, hydrogen storage, and carbon dioxide capture materials.

The fellowship also addresses phenomena relevant to additive manufacturing (AM) of ceramics, including direct-ink write ceramic extrusion and novel post-process densification methods such as cold sintering of AM ceramic green bodies. Research will utilize unique instrumentation at facilities including the Advanced Photon Source, National Synchrotron Light Source II, and the NIST Center for Neutron Research. Complementary computational modeling and simulation capabilities are available.

Key research areas include structural and electronic ceramics, batteries, energy harvesting devices, photovoltaics, and carbon capture materials, with a focus on linking microstructure to performance and processing viability.