PhD Position: Solar-Driven Photovoltaic and Electrochemical Conversion to C–N

Join the SUN2CN project and develop next-generation solar-to-X devices that merge photovoltaics and electrochemistry for chemical production. As a PhD researcher, you will convert CO2 and nitrates from waste streams into valuable C–N compounds, contributing to renewable energy and chemistry sectors. This position offers cutting-edge training at the crossroads of materials science, electro(photo)catalysis, semiconductor physics, and device engineering.

In this PhD position, you will contribute to the SUN2CN project, developing a new solar-to-X device that uses sunlight as its sole energy input. You will combine photovoltaics and electrochemistry to transform simple waste molecules, such as CO2 and nitrates, into valuable carbon–nitrogen (C–N) chemicals.

You will design and test photoelectrochemical reactors that integrate porous photovoltaic membranes with selective electrocatalysts in a flow cell system. By doing so, you will push the boundaries of solar-driven chemical production while addressing challenges in CO2 waste and wastewater treatment.

You will join an interdisciplinary European team where you can grow your expertise in materials science, photo/electrocatalysis, chemical and device engineering, while contributing to a breakthrough vision for decentralized renewable chemical production.

Requirements

• You have a master’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or chemical engineering.
• You have a strong background in semiconductor physics, chemical engineering, and electrocatalysis.
• You are motivated to work on photovoltaics, electrochemistry, and solar-to-X devices.
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary and international research environment.
• You can analyze complex problems and translate them into experiments and solutions.
• You have good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• You are able to work independently, while also contributing to a collaborative team.
• You are curious, creative, and eager to make an impact in off-grid solar chemical technologies.

Conditions of Employment

A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year. Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU). You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from €3,059 (first year) to €3,881 (fourth year). There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme. A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis. Free access to sports facilities on campus. A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid). You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School, where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Department

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente integrates chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering. Part of the department involves research that focuses on electrified and solar-driven technologies, CO2 and nitrogen recycling, and advanced reactor designs.

How to Apply

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button before the 10th of November. Within your application, include your CV, motivation letter, and 2 recommendation letters. Note that one of the letters should be from the candidate’s Master’s thesis advisor. Applicants should answer the following question in their application in a maximum of 1 page. This should be submitted together with your CV file. Applications without answering the question below will not be considered.

Question: The SUN2CN project aims to integrate photovoltaics and electrochemistry for the solar-driven conversion of CO2 and NO3? into value-added C–N compounds. Discuss one critical scientific challenge that must be addressed for such a device to work efficiently, considering all three perspectives: Physics – light absorption, charge separation, and transport in the PV membrane. Chemistry – selectivity and reaction pathways for C–N bond formation. Electrochemistry – overpotentials, competing side reactions, and mass transport in the flow cell. In your answer, highlight how these aspects interconnect and propose a possible strategy (theoretical or experimental) to overcome the challenge.