PhD position on the hydrogen plasma-based reduction of iron oxide

Job Description

Steel production requires the reduction of iron ore (iron oxide) to metallic iron. This process is traditionally performed at high temperatures and with carbon as the reduction agent, forming CO₂ as the byproduct. Since steel production is responsible for about 7% of yearly anthropogenic CO₂ emission, hydrogen is currently being evaluated as an alternative reduction agent. There are hints that hydrogen plasmas can drive the reaction at lower temperatures, leading to a recent renewed interest in this topic and several new experiments being setup around the world. However, these experiments are focused on application-oriented designs that do not allow for the measurements of plasma species. At the same time, the fundamental processes that determine reaction rates are still poorly understood, making the design of these process-oriented reactors challenging.

Within this PhD project you will investigate the fundamental aspects of the chemical conversion of an iron oxide surface to metallic iron, when exposed to a hydrogen plasma. You will set up a dedicated experiment where plasma and material properties are tightly controlled to answer the following questions:

• Which plasma species primarily drives the reduction?
• Which physical process limits the reduction progress?
• Can the application of a plasma increase the energy efficiency of the process?

You will measure plasma and surface properties using state-of-the-art equipment and methods like two-photon laser induced fluorescence for the detection of atomic hydrogen and X-ray diffraction for monitoring the reduction progress.

The project is also part of the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems (EIRES), which will bring you in contact with researchers from different departments working on materials, processes and systems for energy storage and conversion.

You will join the plasma and materials processing group (PMP) in the applied physics and science education department of TU/e. Within PMP, you will work alongside an international team of passionate, dedicated people working on topics like new materials for the semiconductor industry and for photovoltaics; on CO₂ conversion and plasma catalysis; as well as on advanced plasma and surface diagnostics and material growth processes. The group offers well-equipped labs, excellent technical support and an enjoyable and sociable working environment.

Besides research you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e.g. in bachelor courses, is usually limited to around 5% of your contract time.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or equivalent) in (applied) physics, engineering, chemistry or in a related subject.
• Ideally: Prior knowledge on plasma physics, material chemistry or laser diagnostics is appreciated.
• Ability to work within a team and willingness to help with the mentorship of Bachelor and Master students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

• 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: 
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

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. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manage, dr. Julian Held via email: j.held@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of two references.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.