PhD position: Capture, storage and mineralization of CO2 in particle suspensions

In the Physics of Complex Fluids (PCF) group at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands), research is aimed at understanding various behaviors of multicomponent fluids near interfaces. In the collaborative cCOOL program we develop the permanent storage of CO2 inside minerals as a negative emission technology.

The goal of the PhD project is to explore strategies for permanently storing CO2 in the form of particles in underground porous rock reservoirs. For this purpose, the CO2 has to get captured inside particles that subsequently get transported to their storage location in the form of an aqueous slurry. Conversion of the CO2 to (e.g. calcium or magnesium based) carbonate minerals should then take place under the local conditions of temperature and salt composition of the storage reservoir. In the project we will first optimize the CO2 uptake capacity of selected particles (e.g. clay, silica) in aqueous suspensions at ambient temperature. Next step will be the study of CO2 release/retention and mineralization reactions at elevated temperatures. These high temperature and pressure experiments will be facilitated by a dedicated microfluidic reaction chamber. Finding the best characterization method for CO2 release and/or conversion will be part of the project.

For this ambitious project we are looking for researchers with a pro-active and entrepreneurial spirit and excellent academic skills. A Master's degree in (experimental or engineering) chemistry or physics is required and experience with physical chemistry, colloid science or microfluidics is considered advantageous. Collaborations with researchers from the (host) PCF group, the Sustainable Process Technology group, the MESA+ institute and outside the university, form an integral part of the work.

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO) and include:

A fulltime PhD position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.

Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits. The salary will range from € 2.434 (1st year) to € 3.111,- (4th year) per month, plus a holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Excellent facilities for professional and personal development.

TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology)

Our faculty focuses on three domains, namely Chemistry, Health, and Physics. We are the home base for the research institutes TechMed, MESA+, the Techno Centre for Education and Research (TCO), and the Twente Graduate School (TGS). TNW offers six Bachelor's and seven Master's programs in Health Sciences, Nanotechnology, (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, and Technical Medicine. Over 850 colleagues and 2,700 students are active within the faculty of Science & Technology.