We are looking for a PhD student who will work on the development of a selective electrodialysis system.
The student should have affinity with (electro)chemistry, process technology, physical chemistry and mathematics. The student is motivated to build a theoretical model, and to perform experimental research to validate the model. Furthermore, the student is interested to investigate potential applications for the technology, and to build a pilot-scale system.

The PhD student should have an interest in applied research, and should have a genuine interest to cooperate with industry, an independent and entrepreneurial attitude, and a drive to be instrumental to the implementation of his/her findings in industry and/or society.

Description:
In many industries, there is an increasing interest to close the water cycle and to re-use (waste)water. Closing the water cycle, however, can result in the accumulation of ions, such as sodium, which limits the possibilities for re-use. In order to increase the potential for water re-use, there is an increasing need for the development of desalination technologies that selectively remove specific ions from solution. Electrodialysis is a matured desalination technology which separates charged ions from solution by using an electrical potential difference in combination with ion selective membranes.

In this PhD project, we aim to develop an overall selective electrodialysis process, not by applying ion-selective membranes, but by tuning the ion-transport by influencing the concentration and (electro)chemical potential difference. To that end, we will first develop a theoretical framework describing multi-ion (and water) transport through ion-exchange membranes. The model will be used to identify optimal process conditions, and based on our findings, we aim to design the electrodialysis cell. Furthermore, we will develop and evaluate a pilot-scale setup to apply this novel process for re-use of water in agriculture and industry.

For this position we request the candidate should have a master degree in environmental engineering or chemical engineering, or in an equivalent program, and should have interest in electrochemical engineering and mathematically modelling.

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2266,-. in the first year rising up to € 2897,-. per month in the fourth year.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

Environmental Technology develops and evaluates innovative environmental technologies and concepts based on processes from nature, to recover and reuse essential components and maintain and recreate a viable environment. Our education inspires students to develop their talents. We impact society by innovation through top science and focus on applicability. The current staff involves 2 full professors, 2 endowed professors, 4 associate professors, 4 assistant professors, 1 lecturer, 2 researchers. In addition, we have 4 PostDocs, 67 PhD students and last year 66 students started a thesis at our group.

Projects that we work on are related to

• Clean water and clean soil.
• Recovery of nutrients and metals.
• Sustainable production of energy and green chemicals.

More information of our sub-Department can be found at www.ete.wur.nl

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at:
https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.