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KU Leuven

Electrochemical Flow Microreactor for the Chemical Upgrading of Alcohols

2025-05-16 (Europe/Brussels)
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Informazioni sul datore di lavoro

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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This work will be carried out in the Group of Transport Processes and Reactions at KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Simon Kuhn. We also form part of the larger Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS) group at the Department of Chemical Engineering with expertise in process intensification, use of alternative energy sources and membrane technology.
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Project

Electrochemistry plays a vital role in green chemistry by efficiently transforming organic molecules without the need for additional reagents. In this project, we aim to develop and demonstrate the carbon-neutral production of long-chain iso-alkanes (with application as e.g. sustainable aviation fuel) starting from bio-ethanol. For this, a novel process is proposed, which enables to perform the required conversion steps at low temperatures and in aqueous conditions.

At the core of this process is the electrochemical upgrade of the alcohol, which will be implemented in a continuous small-scale reactor. Small-scale reactors provide uniform residence times, well-defined hydrodynamics, and precise temperature control. Their advantage for electrochemical reactions in particular is their large surface to volume ratio and the reduced ohmic resistance. This minimizes supporting electrolyte requirements so that less purification steps are required.

Within this PhD project, we will design and build a microfluidic electrochemical reactor to oxidize alcohols. Initial experiments will focus on process condition optimization to maximize yield and minimize side reactions, coupled with the development of a kinetic model. In a second step, the scalability of the developed reactor will be assessed and integrated in the entire process.

Profile

  • Requirement: Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with strong overall marks
  • Knowledge of flow chemistry and electrochemistry will be regarded as a plus
  • Adequate English (written and verbal communication) for scientific interactions required
  • Strong motivation is a must
  • Willingness to work at interdisciplinary boundaries

Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a PhD fellowship to become part of our international team with global research links to work towards a PhD. Funding can be provided for a period of 4 years.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Simon Kuhn, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Dettagli del lavoro

Titolo
Electrochemical Flow Microreactor for the Chemical Upgrading of Alcohols
Datore di lavoro
Sede
Oude Markt 13 Lovanio, Belgio
Pubblicato
2025-04-12
Scadenza candidatura
2025-05-16 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-05-16 23:59 (CET)
Tipo di lavoro
Salva lavoro

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Informazioni sul datore di lavoro

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

Visita la pagina del datore di lavoro