Postdoc Capacitive Deionization

This posting is for a 2-year postdoc position in the field of selective ion removal from water. Extracting ionic contaminants from water is a critical step in chemical and food industries. Selective extraction can be achieved by ion-exchange resins, as these can be tailored towards specific affinity for ions such as calcium, nitrate, or heavy metals. The resin method, however, requires concentrated chemicals to regularly regenerate the exchange capability, and generates significant amounts of waste. In this project, we will develop new strategies to selectively extract ions from industrial streams by using capacitive deionization (CDI), which employs porous electrodes to absorb ions from a water stream. The main goal of the project is to tailor the electrode properties at the microscopic level such to induce strong ion-specificity. This goal will be achieved through experiments, combined with molecular dynamics simulations to develop a molecular-level understanding of ion-specific adsorption and diffusion in porous electrodes during the CDI process.

Department
The work will be performed in the Process and Energy department at TU Delft, where various principal investigators are actively researching technologies to facilitate among other things the energy transition for a sustainable future. Furthermore, the position is in close collaboration with Avsalt AB, a Swedish startup company in the field of capacitive deionization.

The successful candidate is well-motivated, hardworking, communicative and willing and able to work as part of a team.

The candidate should have a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science or a similar field or will expect to have that degree within the immediate future.

The preferred candidate has experimental experience with CDI, battery, or supercapacitor research, and has hands-on knowledge of molecular dynamics simulations.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: €3.491 - €4.402 per month). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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