PhD on Recycled Wax Composites for Heat Storage (RecyWax+)

Are you passionate about the energy transition, reducing CO2 emissions, and recycling? Then you may enjoy the challenge of upcycling pyrolysis waxes from polymer recycling to develop new graphene-based wax composites that can be used in heat storage systems.

Information
Solving some of our major societal challenges related to climate, energy and sustainability will require a significant reduction in CO2 emissions through implementation of sustainable heat storage solutions.

A PhD position in the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry (SPC) of Eindhoven University of Technology is now available with funding from the OTP programme (RecyWax+) of Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). In the Netherlands, like in many countries, natural gas is extremely important for heating. However, with society shifting away from fossil fuels, sustainable materials for heating systems are essential. For example, organic Phase Change Materials (PCMs) such as waxes can absorb and release heat during phase changes. Although these materials are promising, widespread application is limited by their low thermal conductivity. Moreover, sourcing of materials must be considered to make heat storage systems more sustainable and in this context pyrolysis waxes from polymer recycling seem the best solution.

The PhD project aims at upcycling of pyrolysis waxes and developing novel graphene/wax composites with enhanced heat transport properties. Using chemical modification of graphene nanoplatelet fillers, colloidal assembly approaches and emulsion preparation techniques, the PhD candidate will perform detailed experiments to minimize interfacial thermal resistances in the system, controlling nanofiller network formation in upcycled waxes to enhance overall heat transfer characteristics. The project combines chemical and physical experimentation complemented and guided by theoretical modelling done by partner PhD in project. The RecyWax+ research team is composed of materials chemists in the Physical Chemistry lab (Friedrich) at the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, the Transport in Permeable Media (Huinink) and physicists in Theory of Polymers and Soft matter (Lyulin) groups at the Applied Physics department and Multiscale Modeling and Simulation in the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Twente (Geurts).

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry focusses on solving societal challenges in health, sustainable energy and circularity using expertise in molecules, materials and chemical processes. We collaborate with academia and industry to enlarge our chain of knowledge. Our top-notch research is internationally renowned and facilitated by a state-of-the-art research infrastructure. High-quality education and research, strong collaboration, independence of researchers and talent development are our core values.

Talented, enthusiastic candidates with strong background in organic chemistry and physical chemistry are encouraged to apply. Preferably, the candidate has been exposed to any of these topics: chemical modification of graphene materials, polymer & colloid science, and heat storage.

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Applied Physics, Materials Science or closely related discipline.
• Prior experience with organic chemistry, physical chemistry, polymers or heat storage.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

You are:

• A talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable assets.
• A naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in research.
• A social person, have a good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment.

International and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply: we think our research group benefits from a diverse group of talented people.

Interviews and a scientific presentation are part of the selection procedure.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Heiner Friedrich (email: h.friedrich@tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 3041); prof. dr. Henk Huinink (h.p.huinink@tue.nl, phone +31 40 247 5375); prof. dr. Alexey Lyulin (a.v.lyulin@tue.nl, phone +31 40 247 4253).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.helix@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.