KU Leuven has a six-century tradition of education and research and holds the European HR Excellence in Research Award for its policy and action plan. Its core focus is fundamental research, complemented by openness to cultural, economic, and industrial realities and societal needs.
Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering
Full-time
On-site · Belgium
1
Master's degree
09/22/2026
12/15/2026
Host: KU Leuven (Belgium)
Main supervisor: F. Buysschaert
Co-supervisors/mentors: G. He (University College London – United Kingdom), J. Nel (Dronematrix– Belgium)
Duration: 36 months
Required profile: Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrochemical Engineering
Desirable skills/interests: Electrochemistry, computational fluid mechanics, drone design.
Objectives: Identify factors and mechanisms affecting the discharge rate and power density in rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZAB), including the roles of electrolyte composition, electrode porosity, and gas diffusion under varying operating conditions; develop new cell designs and components – such as improved air cathodes and electrolyte and separator materials – for better performance and durability; implement and test new RZAB batteries in hybrid drones under various environmental conditions and in combination with fuel cells.
33