Job Delft University of Technology - PhD: Spectroscopic Analysis of 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 most mature technology for CO2 capture today; however, this process is not yet fully understood. It is a major challenge to separate the effects of mass transfer from chemical reaction kinetics. Therefore, in this project, a Raman-spectrocopy-based set-up will be developed to investigate the equilibrium condition as well as the transient CO2 absorption process. The PhD project will focus on the development of the measurement set-up and measuring cells, as well as the experimental investigation of the absorption process. By incorporating the measurement results, thermodynamics and chemistry, further information about the diffusion process as well as the reaction kinetics should be gained. A significant part of the project is being carried out at the Chair for Technical Thermodynamics (LTT) of Prof. André Bardow (RWTH Aachen University).

Applicants should have an MSc in the area of mechanical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or applied physics.
Knowledge and experience in the fields of optical measurement techniques would be advantageous.
Fluency in English is an additional requirement.

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 customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

For more information about this position or to apply, please contact Thijs J.H. Vlugt, phone: +31 (0)15-2787551, e-mail: T.J.H.Vlugt@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV along with a letter of application, a list of references, transcripts, a publications list, and an abstract of your MSc thesis by 31 October 2010 to: application-3mE@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME10-25.
TU Delft is an equal opportunity employer.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools. 

This position is part of a joint project between TU Delft and RWTH Aachen University. Both universities are members of the IDEA League, a union of the leading technical universities in Europe. The Engineering Thermodynamics group is located in the Department of Process and Energy (P&E) in the 3mE Faculty. The group is well known for its expertise in high-pressure thermodynamics and molecular simulations. Within LTT at RWTH Aachen University, the project is being carried out in the Measurement Technology group. This group is leading the development of time- and spatially resolved, noninvasive measurement techniques to determine concentrations and temperatures.

Thijs J.H. Vlugt
+31 (0)15-2787551
T.J.H.Vlugt@tudelft.nl
Technische Universiteit Delft