phd position Netherlands

PhD in Novel Solvent Systems for CO2 Capture

Department/faculty: Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Level: Master degree
Working hours: Maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE)
Contract: 1 year initially with possibility of extension to 4 years
Salary: Maximum of €2558 per month gross
Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
The 3ME Faculty trains committed engineering students and
PhD candidates in groundbreaking scientific research in the
fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3ME
is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European
scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The project is being carried out in the Process and Energy Department
of TU Delft as a collaboration between the Separation Technology
group of Prof. Peter Jansens and Prof. Andrzej Stankiewicz and the
Energy Technology Chair. The work is conducted in close interaction
with process system developers at TNO, membrane developers at the
Russian Academy of Sciences and industrial partners to test the novel
technology.


Job description
This PhD position is part of the DECARBit project, a major European
project on pre-combustion CO2 capture involving several leading
industrial and academic partners. The topic of the research is
‘Novel solvent systems for pre-combustion CO2 capture’.

CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is one of the leading options for
the short-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Currently,
the CO2 capture step accounts for 75% of the cost of the CCS chain
and leads to a significant increase in energy usage. Therefore, more
efficient CO2 capture technologies are required. Absorption is the
leading option for CO2 capture today. In this project, novel solvents
for CO2 absorption will be investigated. Membrane gas absorption
(MGA) is considered as a potential application capture technology in
collaboration with our partners.

The PhD project will focus on selection of novel solvents for
pre-combustion CO2 capture based on modelling and experiments.
For this purpose, novel screening methods will be developed and
implemented. Theoretical as well as microtechnology and high-throughput
approaches will be considered. Applicability of the novel solvent
for use in membrane gas absorption will be analysed through modelling
studies and possibly in pilot-plant operations at an industrial site.
Requirements
Applicants should have completed an MSc with high marks in an area
of process engineering (physical, mechanical, chemical) or technical
chemistry. Knowledge and experience in the fields of process modelling
and design, thermodynamics and/or microtechnology would be
advantageous. Fluency in English is required.
Conditions of employment
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible
work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the
option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits
package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the
Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
Information and application
For more information about this position, please contact
Prof. A. Stankiewicz, phone: +31 (0)15-2782147,
e-mail: A.I.Stankiewicz@tudelft.nl. You are also welcome to
contact A. Bardow, phone: +31 (0)15-2786924,
e-mail: a.bardow@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV,
a list of references and a letter of application before April 30, 2008 to:
Application-3mE@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, make
sure to mention vacancy number 3ME08-15.