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. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• 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.