PhD position in mechanochemical hydrogen production in natural silica- rocks

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.

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 ainaations in natural materials and energy flow in Earth’s deep environments and its relevance to extraterrestrial environments and future energy strategies.

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 villains? (etc)