JOB DESCRIPTION

Closing the carbon cycle is one of the largest current societal challenges. The net CO2 emissions due to consuming fossil fuels, and the corresponding climate change, require a sustainable alternative. In particular, hard-to-abate emissions, such as from aviation, does not have a scalable sustainable technology route commercially available. In this Water to e-SAF project, we will study and develop CO2 capture from seawater, and convert the CO2 and water to an electricity-driven sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF).
We are looking for a postdoc (2.5 years) to understand and develop bipolar membranes for the CO2 capture process. The bipolar membranes are used in an electrochemical cell to create acid and base from water, thus inducing a pH swing, to liberate the dissolved CO2 (in bicarbonate form) from the seawater. This process builds on previous work in our research group and the technology developed in the spin-off company SeaO2. Your job is to investigate how we can enhance the conductivity of the membrane layers and water dissociation catalyst in the bipolar membrane. You will conduct electrochemical lab-scale tests on membranes and small stacks to analyze the membrane performance. You will design new membrane configurations, and possibly synthesize new membrane materials. The job is focused on experimental work, with possibility to include simulations to further understand the experimental results. You will also be included in joint experiments at larger scale with SeaO2, where the CO2 will be captured for subsequent conversion to e-SAF.
For this postdoc position, you need to have an outstanding scientific track record, good skills for experimental work, and experience in electrochemical systems and/or membrane technology. Your daily operation is in the EFS research group of David Vermaas. The work of our group addresses electrochemical flow systems, including applications of electrolysis, water technology, CO2 capture and flow batteries. You will collaborate with other researchers in the department and with companies in this project. The work will also contribute to TU Delft’s e-Refinery institute on electrochemical synthesis that includes >20 principal investigators across the campus, where electrochemical advances are used and valorised in upscaled prototypes, in collaboration with industrial partners.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

We’re looking for a candidate with:

• A PhD degree, in chemical engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering or similar
• Experience in working with electrochemical systems and/or membrane technology
• Proven experience in doing experimental work
• An excellent publication record
• Knowledge of process technology and system-level thinking is considered a plus
• Experience in working at pilot-scale or industrial collaboration is considered a plus
• Pro-active and creative mind-set
• Fluent in English. Speaking Dutch is a plus
• Starting date mid-September, October or early November

Please refer the Job description for details