Two PhD Positions in Chemical Engineering at Technical University of Denmark

The Technical University of Denmark PhD Positions in Chemical Engineering is available for outstanding applicants. The objective of the two PhD projects are to investigate and evaluate the potential of a non-thermal plasma combined with catalysis in the conversion of sugars and other biomass constituents (Project 1) and carbon dioxide and methane (Project 2) to value added chemicals.

Summary

Project Description

The CHEC research group at the Department of Chemical Engineering carries out research on catalysis and high temperature processes such as combustion, gasification and pyrolysis.

In the future, the production of chemicals will likely change from large central plants using fossil fuels both as energy input and feedstock to a sustainable production based on solar and wind power and sustainable carbon sources. Plasma can be generated by applying an electric field of sufficient magnitude and exploited to drive chemical reactions.

The project involves the development and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts for the reactions, experimental investigations, and characterization of the reaction products and assessment of the potential of the process.

Both projects involve tight collaboration with the company Haldor Topsøe A/S.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is March 03, 2021

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU.

For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Anker Degn Jensen.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Eligibility

The objectives of PhD project 1 related to conversion of sugars and biomass constituents are:

• Establish an experimental setup for non-thermal plasma conversion in liquid phase.
• Experimental investigation and optimization of non-thermal plasma assisted conversion sugars and other biomass derived feedstock in both solid and liquid phase.
• Develop and test novel catalysts for the liquid based process.
• Evaluate the potential of the optimized process for different feedstocks.

The objectives of PhD project 2 related to conversion of carbon dioxide and methane are:

• Modify an existing experimental setup for non-thermal plasma conversion in gas phase reactions to allow for operation at elevated temperature.
• Experimental investigation and optimization of non-thermal plasma assisted conversion of carbon dioxide and methane.
• Develop and test novel catalysts for the reactions.
• Development of kinetic models for the reactions including the effect of the plasma and catalysts
• Evaluate the potential of the optimized processes.

Candidates should have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree in chemical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)

Candidates may apply prior to ob­tai­ning their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now