Development of CO2 conversion catalysts

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.

First objective (70%):

The transition to a sustainable energy future is critical, with an increasing emphasis on green energy molecules (H₂, CH₄, and CH₃OH). These molecules serve as clean fuels and chemical feedstocks, offering the potential to reduce carbon emissions while meeting global energy demands. Among these, CH₄ synthesis via CO₂ capture and subsequent methanation represents a promising route for carbon recycling, aligning with carbon-neutral goals.

Dual function materials (DFMs), which combine CO₂ capture and catalytic conversion capabilities, offer the potential to reduce energy input, enhance process efficiency, and facilitate the storage of renewable energy in the form of methane. This study aims to study the integrated CO2 capture and methanation on the DFMs.

Tasks:

• Develop DFMs that combine CO₂ capture and methanation functionality.
  • Evaluate the performance of the DFMs in the integrated CO₂ capture and methanation, focusing on optimizing the operating conditions for maximum methane yield and CO₂ conversion.
  • Evaluate the performance of DFMs under cyclic operation to assess the impact of dynamic CO₂ capture and methanation processes on long-term material stability and efficiency.
  • Perform structural, chemical, and surface characterization using techniques such as XRD, SEM, BET, and TPx to understand the material properties and performance.
  • Investigate the kinetics and reaction mechanism of the integrated CO₂ capture and methanation process using DRIFTS.

Second objective (30%):

The growing demand for propylene, a critical building block in the petrochemical industry, has made propane dehydrogenation (PDH) an attractive process for on-purpose propylene production due to its higher selectivity and lower environmental impact compared to traditional cracking processes. However, challenges such as catalyst deactivation and the need for improved catalytic efficiency remain key research areas. This study aims to investigate and optimize the catalytic performance of materials for the PDH process, focusing on enhancing activity, selectivity, and resistance to deactivation.

Tasks:

• Develop modified PDH catalysts to enhance propylene selectivity and lower deactivation.
• Evaluate the propane dehydrogenation performance of the catalysts under different conditions.
• Characterize catalysts using techniques like XRD, BET, TPx, and XPS to understand structural properties, surface area, metal dispersion, and oxidation states.
• Conduct long-term reaction testing to identify the main deactivation mechanisms, focusing on coking and sintering. Use techniques like temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) to analyze coke deposition.
• Develop and test regeneration protocols (oxidative or reductive treatments) to restore catalyst activity after deactivation.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field
• Specialization or experience in catalysis and reaction engineering are highly preferred.
• Experience with heterogeneous catalysts, particularly in CO₂ capture, methanation, or other related reactions.
• Strong background in developing and characterizing heterogeneous catalysts. Familiarity with techniques like XRD, BET, SEM, FTIR, and TPx (temperature-programmed experiments).
• Ability to design and optimize experimental setups and reactors and comfortable working with high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase reactions and reactors.
• Proficiency in gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS) methods for tracking reaction progress and product composition.

A successful candidate for this project will have the technical expertise, research experience, and collaborative skills necessary to lead and contribute meaningfully to the development of integrated CO₂ capture and methanation processes.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 1 year.
•  Your contract will start on 1/01/2025 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results,  … 

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Mark Saeys (mark.saeys@UGent.be, +32 93 31 17 54). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be or +32 9 264 34 36