Postdoc Bipolar Membranes for CO2 Capture and Conversion

Postdoc Bipolar Membranes for CO2 Capture and Conversion

How to create sustainable carbon-based fuels from water?

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 more than 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

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2.5 years.
• A job of 32-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

This Postdoc position offers:

• Challenging job in a highly innovative technology field
• Embedding in an enthusiastic team of engineers and researchers
• Collaboration with industrial partners
• A postdoc position for 2.5 years

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact David Vermaas, via D.A.Vermaas@tudelft.nl.