Join the SUN2CN project and develop next-generation solar-to-X devices that merge photovoltaics and electrochemistry for chemical production. As a PhD researcher, you will convert CO2 and nitrates from waste streams into valuable C–N compounds, contributing to renewable energy and chemistry sectors. This position offers cutting-edge training at the crossroads of materials science, electro(photo)catalysis, semiconductor physics, and device engineering.
Are you excited to work on photo/electrochemistry? In this PhD position, you will contribute to the SUN2CN project, developing a new solar-to-X device that uses sunlight as its sole energy input. You will combine photovoltaics and electrochemistry to transform simple waste molecules, such as CO2 and nitrates, into valuable carbon–nitrogen (C–N) chemicals.
You will design and test photoelectrochemical reactors that integrate porous photovoltaic membranes with selective electrocatalysts in a flow cell system. By doing so, you will push the boundaries of solar-driven chemical production while addressing challenges in CO2 waste and wastewater treatment.
You will join an interdisciplinary European team where you can grow your expertise in materials science, photo/electrocatalysis, chemical and device engineering, while contributing to a breakthrough vision for decentralized renewable chemical production.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before the 10th of November.
Within your application, include your CV, motivation letter, and 2 recommendation letters. Note that one of the letters should be from the candidate’s Master’s thesis advisor.
Applicants should answer the following question in their application in a maximum of 1 page. This should be submitted together with your CV file. Applications without answering the question below will not be considered.
Question:
The SUN2CN project aims to integrate photovoltaics and electrochemistry for the solar-driven conversion of CO2 and NO3? into value-added C–N compounds. Discuss one critical scientific challenge that must be addressed for such a device to work efficiently, considering all three perspectives:
Physics – light absorption, charge separation, and transport in the PV membrane.
Chemistry – selectivity and reaction pathways for C–N bond formation.
Electrochemistry – overpotentials, competing side reactions, and mass transport in the flow cell.
In your answer, highlight how these aspects interconnect and propose a possible strategy (theoretical or experimental) to overcome the challenge.
Read more about the project here:
About the department
The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente integrates chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. Part of the department involves research that focuses on electrified and solar-driven technologies, CO2 and nitrogen recycling, and advanced reactor designs.
For more information, visit CE department
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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