Are you fascinated by phase transitions in solids? Are you passionate about experimental techniques? Are you eager to contribute to technology facilitating the energy transition? Do you want to take part in an international collaboration? Then you are the right person to apply on one of this position.
Job Description
The aim of this project is to understand phase transitions (nucleation and growth) in solids induced by the absorption of two gases. Together with computational chemists you will identify the most promising solids that react with two gases and can be used for thermal energy storage. You will characterize the phase diagrams of these solids, study the kinetics (nucleation and growth processes) of these materials and unravel the structural transformations occurring during the reaction. You will use TGA-DSC, SEM, in situ-XRD, impedance spectroscopy and if needed NMR. In parallel you will study nucleation and growth processes in already identified candidate: K2CO3 that can react with two gases: water and carbon dioxide.
To store thermal energy in a solid (a heat battery), one can make use of reversible solid-gas reactions. In these reactions crystalline solids absorb a gas and undergo a change in the crystal structure. Presently, salt hydration is evaluated in view of heat storage in the built environment. As salt hydration involves only one gas (water), there is a tight connection between the choice of the salt and the temperature of the heat to be delivered. Switching to new use conditions (different input and output temperatures), imply switching to another salt. Solids reacting with two gases offer more flexibility as phase diagrams can be tuned by the second gas. This PhD project is part of the larger EU project 4TunaTES that focusses on developing tunable technology for long term compact heat storage. 4TunaTES is aiming for creating flexibility on material, component, and system level. Your work will focus on the fundamental understanding of the materials that should serve as a seed for materials development.
In the 4TunaTES project you will collaborate with researchers from the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), CNR-ITAE (Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies), DLR (German Aerospace Center) and Cellcius B.V. You will become a member of the group Transport in Permeable Media (TPM) of the Applied Physics department, which has strong track record in the field of thermo-chemical materials in general and salt hydrates in particular.
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:
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. H.P. Huinink, Associate Professor, h.p.huinink[at]tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR: hrservices.flux[at]tue.nl.
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Application
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We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.