PhD position in mechanochemical hydrogen production in natural silica- rocks

Organisation/Company ETH Zürich Research Field Biological sciences » Other Chemistry » Other Environmental science » Earth science Physics » Chemical physics Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 13 Apr 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The ETH Zurich Geothermal Energy & Geofluids (GEG.ethz.ch) Group in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences investigates subsurface reactive fluid and geothermal energy transfer, developing and employing computer simulations, laboratory experiments, and field analyses. Our aim is to gain fundamental insights and develop sustainable technologies to address societal needs.

Project background

We are excited to announce an interdisciplinary PhD opportunity focused on mechanochemical processes driving radical formation and redox cycling in the deep subsurface, with implications for geochemistry, geophysics, biogeochemistry, planetary habitability, and sustainable energy resources. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team investigating how crustal faulting, tectonics, and mineral fracturing generate reactive unpaired electron radical centers in silica-rich rocks.

These silica radicals may react with water to form natural hydrogen, reactive oxygen species, unique silica surface moieties, and other products. These processes may fuel microbial metabolisms and shape subsurface ecosystems. The project may explore the formation, accumulation, migration, and potential exploitation of natural hydrogen as a clean energy source. This research addresses fundamental questions about mechanochemical reactions in natural materials and energy flow in Earth’s deep environments and its relevance to extraterrestrial environments and future energy strategies.

For more information on this project, see: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

The PhD project will explore:

• Mechanochemical radical generation during rock fracturing and its role in water splitting to form hydrogen and reactive oxygen species
• Characterization of radical centers in natural rock samples with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and imaging.
• Characterization of silica, water, hydrogen-based, and oxygen-based reaction products with multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) both in solution and solid state.
• Abiotic redox processes involving iron and other transition metals in fractured rock systems.
• Coupling among geomechanical stress, geochemical gradients, and microbial activity in deep subsurface environments.
• Formation, accumulation, and migration of natural hydrogen in geological reservoirs and its potential for human energy use.
• Implications for early life and habitability on Earth and other planetary bodies.

The work will combine experimental stimulations (e.g., ball milling, high-pressure fracture experiments), magnetic-resonance-based characterization, geochemical analysis, microbial ecology approaches, alongside modeling hydrogen migration and storage potential.

Profile

We seek a highly motivated and self-organized individual with:

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research bridging chemistry, physics, geochemistry, geomechanics, microbiology, and energy science.
• Background in chemistry, physics, geochemistry, mineral physics, biogeochemistry, or planetary science.
• Experience with experimental techniques, such as:
  • High-energy milling or fracture stimulation.
  • Geochemical assays for H₂, H₂O₂ and redox states (e.g., X‑ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, zeta potential).
  • Familiarity with liquid- or solid‑state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Familiarity with analytical tools: X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray computed tomography (XRCT)
• Expertise in designing and performing high‑temperature and high‑pressure in‑situ experiments is advantageous.
• Fluency in English…