There is a considerable interest in the conversion of CO2 to valuable chemicals, via electrochemistry. Formic acid / formate have been identified as suitable products of this conversion. It is a major challenge to scale up this process from the lab scale (currently operational in Delft) to the industrial or pilot scale. The researcher will work on the ongoing development of a high pressure electrochemical cell for the conversion of CO2 to formic acid / formate. The focus will be on improvements of residence time in the cell (flow, flow, and reactivity distribution) supported by appropriate modelling and practical validation. This improved design needs to be scaled up in capacity by stacking of cells, and the process design needs to be optimized by a sizing model. The work will be performed in a team with representatives from TU Delft, Coval Energy, TNO and Twence.

We are looking for a postdoc with a strong background in chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, mathematics, electrochemistry, or related discipline. Prior experience with electrochemical conversions or reactor engineering is a plus. Good communication skills are essential for the completion of the project.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Delft University of Technology

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.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Research in the Process & Energy (P&E) department focuses on process and energy technology within a mechanical engineering context. This means that a process or energy conversion is part of an apparatus. Continuum fluids are the common denominator, either as a process material, carrier, or solvent, or as a medium through which a transport process, separation process, or chemical conversion is carried out. Research covers the range from full equipment scale, down to the molecular scale. Our laboratories have several large-scale experimental facilities that are unique on a world level.

It is a major challenge for engineers to provide the world with an increasing standard of living, while significantly reducing the resulting ecological footprint. Engineering thermodynamics is a crucial tool for meeting this challenge, as it is indispensable for the development of energy efficient processes. Our mission is to apply and develop methods, tools, and processes which lead to more energy efficient processes. Molecular thermodynamics and simulation are important research areas in our group as it is often very difficult to access the required small length scales experimentally.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/3me