Jobid=806873dfa590 (0.1002)
Are you passionate about electrochemical engineering and materials for electrochemical conversion?
We offer a challenging PhD position in our group on “High pressure CO2 electrolysis”.
You will carry out research on materials for electrochemical conversion and electrochemical engineering within the largest program in Europe on green carbon conversion, i.e., the Dutch consortium HyCARB.
Converting CO2 into valuable chemicals using renewable electricity is a key challenge for the sustainable chemical industry. Electrochemical CO2 conversion offers a promising pathway to utilize renewable energy while producing essential chemical building blocks. However, achieving selective and efficient production of specific molecules remains a major scientific challenge.
This PhD project aims to develop a new electrochemical route for converting CO2 (or CO) into formate / formaldehyde, important platform chemicals for the chemical industry. By enabling the direct production of formate / formaldehyde from carbon-based feedstocks using renewable electricity, the project contributes to the development of sustainable chemical manufacturing and carbon utilization technologies.
The research will focus on the development of novel electrocatalyst materials and electrochemical reactor concepts. In particular, the project will explore high-pressure continuous flow electrochemical cells and advanced electrode materials to enable efficient conversion of CO2 to formate / formaldehyde.
To understand how catalyst properties and operating conditions determine product selectivity, energy efficiency, and system stability, as a PhD candidate, you will:
Design and synthesize novel electrode materials for electrochemical CO2 conversion.
Perform electrochemical testing and product analysis.
Develop and operate high-pressure continuous flow electrochemical cells.
Apply in situ spectro-electrochemical techniques to study reaction mechanisms.
Relate catalyst properties and operating conditions to selectivity, energy efficiency, and system stability.
Publish results in scientific journals and present at international conferences.
The project combines fundamental mechanistic research with applied reactor engineering, aiming to move the technology from early proof-of-concept towards higher technological maturity.
During the project, you will:
Gain expertise in electrocatalysis, electrochemical reactor engineering, and advanced spectroscopy.
Work in a large national research consortium with academic and industrial partners.
Build an international research network and present your work at conferences.
Develop both fundamental scientific insight and applied engineering skills.
Receive mentoring to support your academic or industrial career.
You will work in Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Twente, also in collaboration with researchers within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. The project will be supervised by Marco Altomare and Guido Mul, who will support you in developing your scientific profile, publishing your work, and building your professional network.
The project is part of the HyCARB program within the GroenvermogenNL initiative, involving a large network of academic and industrial partners across the Netherlands.
Your profile
Additional job requirements – you have / are
A MSc degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering, applied physics, or similar.
Required: Previous hands-on electrochemical knowledge and experience.
Able to work independently and as part of a greater team, in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
Able to contribute to the social well-being and culture of the research group.
A demonstrated record of an academic mindset illustrating critical thinking. For example through thesis or internship work.
A pro-active and creative mind-set, and excellent analytical and communication skills.
Fluent in English.
Our offer
A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
Industry collaboration, international conference travel budget, teaching opportunities, career training or leadership programs.
Free access to sports facilities on campus.
A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.
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