PhD Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 under supercritical conditions

(V24.0560)

In the Chemical Engineering group of the University of Groningen, we are looking for a PhD candidate for a project on the “Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 under supercritical conditions.” To achieve the energy transition it is necessary that the chemical industry no longer depends on fossil feedstocks. CO2 is a promising, sustainable carbon source; however, its conversion to C1-C2 chemicals and fuels is currently an energy intensive process with low productivity, since its feed is often (dissolved) CO2 gas. In this PhD project, you will explore a novel strategy: utilizing supercritical CO2 to maximize the contact between CO2 and the electrode. Your activities during this PhD project will include the development of suitable electrochemical reactors and their optimization to maximize the contact with the electrocatalyst in order to increase the conversion efficiency of CO2 and the yield of value-added products. Your supervisors will be Dr Dulce M. Morales, Assist. Professor in Electrocatalysis, and Prof. Paolo P. Pescarmona, Full. Prof. in Catalysis & Sustainability.

Organisation The University of Groningen has an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 34,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, we are truly an international place of knowledge.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering harbours a kaleidoscope of disciplines and research strengths, ranging from natural sciences to advanced engineering.

The Engineering and Technology institute Groningen (ENTEG) is highly multidisciplinary in nature and focuses on fundamental and applied research on the development of innovative processes and products for a wide range of sectors. Research activities are performed in the field of chemical and biochemical systems, mechanical and electric systems, and system networks.

Responsibilities and tasks

We are looking for a motivated and skilled student with a MSc degree in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. Background in electrochemistry, catalysis and/or supercritical CO2 is appreciated. The successful candidate should have a strong commitment to interdisciplinary research. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

We offer you, following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

Candidates are expected to start in early 2025

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, your application should include:

You can submit your application until 1 January 11:59pm / before 2 January 2025 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). Only applications submitted according to the instructions given here will be considered.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https: // www. rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and- strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https: // www. nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https: // euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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