PhD in Carbon Membranes Development

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Reference number

V37.7628

For a recently awarded EUROTECH PhD research grant we are looking for a PhD candidate to conduct research in the field of membrane development using experimental and modeling techniques. The PhD position will be located either at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Inorganic Membranes and Membrane Reactor group of Professor Fausto Gallucci. The project will be in collaboration with DTU and TECNALIA.

The Partnership Sustainable Process Engineering consists of the four groups Chemical Reactor Engineering headed by Prof.dr.ir. John van der Schaaf, the group on biomass processing of Dr. Neira d’Angelo, the group Energy Intensified Chemical Reaction Engineering of Prof. Dr. Evgeny Rebrov and the Inorganic Membranes & Membrane Reactors group of Prof.dr.Eng. Fausto Gallucci. The SPE partnership consists of 3 Professors and 1UD, (all acting as PIs), 15 postdocs, more than 55 PhD students and 7 support staff.

The group's mission is to be among the world's top academic research groups in its field and to be leading in the development of novel technologies for new, highly efficient, inherently safe, and robust (micro)structured multiphase processing systems, which show the best productivity by a dedicated design of all relevant dimensions and optimum choice of dedicated operational procedures.

Research in the Gallucci group is related to the development of membranes and novel multiphase reactors, in particular membrane reactors and dynamically operated reactors. The research focuses on the interaction of heterogeneous catalysis, transport phenomena, and fluid mechanics in these novel multifunctional reactors. The SIR chair coordinates and participates in several large European Projects and works in strict collaborations with several industrial partners.

Project description

Carbon membranes are developed cia carbonization of a thermosetting polymer film. The tunability of carbon membrane structure for specific separations relies on several key factors: the careful selection of polymer precursors, which determine the functional groups and pore architecture, as well as the carbonization temperature and choice of sweep gas during the process. 

These variables collectively influence membrane porosity, pore structure, and hydrophilicity. In our research, membranes tailored for various applications have been successfully fabricated through optimization of the carbonization temperature alone. Remarkably, this single parameter optimization has yielded membranes spanning a spectrum from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.

Moreover, by precisely adjusting the carbonization procedure, membranes can exhibit selectivity towards either hydrogen or carbon dioxide. Diversifying precursor materials, exploring combinations thereof, and varying carbonization conditions offer an extensive spectrum of potential membranes for separation applications. This project seeks to revolutionize our approach to membrane design research. Our goal is to pioneer a method that combines ab-initio precursor selection, systematically scanning the entire spectrum of thermosetting precursors. By leveraging AI models, we aim to analyze these precursor combinations (restricting the search to the attainable precursors), predict potential membrane structures, assess separation efficiencies, and compile databases of optimized membrane recipes.

We are looking for a PhD candidate focusing on development of carbon molecular sieve membranes using machine learning modeling approaches.

We are looking for candidates with a MSc in chemical engineering or a MSc in Chemical Engineering with affinity to chemical technology/process technology.

The ideal candidate for the will have the follow skills, interest and expertise:

• Experience in membrane technology.
• Strong background in modeling of membrane properties.
• Knowledge about analytics in general is appreciated.
• Has interest in developing machine learning design of membranes.

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 evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• 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.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

The university is located near the central train station of Eindhoven and the Eindhoven city center. It is well connected to Eindhoven airport and Schiphol airport can be easily reached by train.

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

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager prof. Fausto Gallucci [email protected] .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Mrs. P.J. van de Weijer, HR Advisor, email: [email protected] .

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. Candidates possessing both suitable experience and qualifications are invited to apply.
The application should include a:

• A motivation letter, including the topic of your MSc thesis project.
• A curriculum vitae (including contact details of at least two references).
• A list of BSc and MSc courses and grades.

Review of applications will start as soon as applications are received and will continue until the position has been filled.

Both national and international applications to this advertisement are appreciated. Promising candidates will be contacted by email.

You can upload a maximum of 5 documents of up to 2MB each. Only applications that are submitted in this way are taken into account.