The research work is carried out within the framework of a European INTERREG-2SEAS project 'Electrons to high value Chemical products - E2C' with cofunding of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, South Holland province and Smartport in a consortium of TU Delft, TNO (coordinator) and other partners from the 2SEAS region including an industrial observer party board.

Your work will consist of:

1. Setting-up chemical engineering process (reactor and separation units) models for electrochemical conversion of CO2 in different solvent/electrolyte media. Main focus will be on obtaining improved understanding of the role of the solvent-electrolyte in CO2 dissolution and conversion.
2. Designing, commissioning a (pressurized) bench-scale reactor for performing experiments to validate dissolution and electrochemical conversion models for CO2 in different solvent/electrolyte combinations, using electrodes formulated and delivered by project partners, and the selection of such media for optimal CO2 conversion to CO and formate/formic acid. Experiments will be performed in close cooperation with different project partners and at different sites as well (round-robin conversion studies).
3. Performing process system engineering (including costing aspects) and LCA desktop studies associated with different CO2 feedstock configuration cases using available software and database.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in chemical engineering, electrochemistry, technical physics, or mechanical engineering, with proven affinity regarding chemical processes, thermodynamics and LCA.
• Interest in both applied and more fundamental science and engineering in the energy field.
• Excellent background in the following areas:  thermo-chemistry, electrocatalysis and thermodynamics, physical transport phenomena (heat and mass transfer) and life cycle assessment.
• Proven interest and skills regarding experimental research.
• Good communication skills and being a team player in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Good oral and written knowledge of English. TU Delft is a bi-lingual organization; good knowledge of the Dutch language is considered to be a positive aspect of your application.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

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

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers 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 ambition of the Department of Process & Energy of the 3mE Faculty, is to perform world class education and research in the area of process and energy for a sustainable development. We focus our research on the following areas: Energy Technology, Engineering Thermodynamics, Large Scale Energy Storage, Intensified Reaction and Separation Technology, Fluid Mechanics, and Multiphase Flow. We are situated in the Process and Energy lab, a modern and inspriring academic environment with unique experimental facilities. For more information, see process-energy.

The section Large Scale Energy storage focuses its research on storage of electricity, on the scale of solar plants and wind farms and on process integration with thermo-chemical conversion of bioresources. It aims at bridging the gap between electricity load and demand, especially needed for highly intermittent energy sources like solar and wind. The main theme of the group is the conversion of power to preferably high energy density liquid fuels and chemicals where sustainably produced hydrogen is coupled to a (biobased) carbon source e.g. CO2, CO or C.      

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