Free Education Postdoc Acoustic cavitation-enhanced catalysis in near-critical CO2 at Netherland

The Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (TU/e) has the following vacancy
Postdoc Acoustic cavitation-enhanced catalysis in near-critical CO2 (V37.588)
at Process Development, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.

Background
Near-critical carbon dioxide is generally regarded as a green alternative for abundantly used organic solvents. Heterogeneously catalyzed reactions in this high pressure solvent can suffer from mass and/or heat transfer limitations. It is well-known that irradiation of a liquid with high-intensity ultrasound can accelerate mixing and enhance transport rates. These effects principally derive from acoustic cavitation, i.e., the sound-induced growth and subsequent collapse of micro-scale cavities present in the liquid. Upon collapse, the velocity of the cavity wall can reach speeds up to ~1000 m/s, resulting in high shear rates. Additionally, the almost adiabatic compression of the cavity interior can yield temperatures up to ~5000 K and pressures of several hundreds of bars. At these conditions molecular bonds can be broken and radicals can be formed. Up to now the research on acoustic cavitation has focused on aqueous systems at ambient conditions. Recent studies have indicated that cavitation in pressurized CO2 is significantly different from aqueous systems. Compared to ambient systems, cavitation in CO2 is advantageous for improving mass and heat transfer because of two reasons:

• Liquid CO2 has a relatively high gas solubility, which implies an increase in the number of cavitation nuclei and hence in the number of cavitation events
• The physico-chemical properties of CO2 lead to relatively mild hot-spot conditions for which formation of radicals is not expected
This allows efficient enhancement of interfacial transfer without the undesired chemical effects originating from radical formation.
Tasks
As postdoc you will fulfill the following activities:
• Develop strategies for optimization of cavitation enhanced interfacial transfer in pressurized CO2
• Validate these strategies with appropriate experiments, on a micro and macro scale
• Contribute to the development of new experimental and numerical methods
• Present results on international conferences and publish in scientific journals
• Strengthen the collaboration between the participating groups

Requirements
We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:
• PhD in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics
• Sound interest in acoustic cavitation, hydrodynamics, and numerical flow simulation
• Strong experimental background and experience with flow visualization techniques
• Good communication skills in English
• Independent working style, and the ability to work in a team

Appointment and Salary
We offer a full-time contract for two years, with an intermediate evaluation after 1 year. You will start with a gross salary of € 2740 in the first year and € 2852 in the second year.

Information
Further information can be obtained from:

• Dr. ir. N.E. Benes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, tel.: +31 (0)40 247 5445, e mail: N.E.Benes@tue.nl
• Prof. dr. ir. J.T.F. Keurentjes, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, tel.: +31 (0)40 247 3622
• Dr. ir. C.C.M. Rindt, Department of Mechanical Engineering, tel.: +31 (0)40 247 2978
• Personnel Department, tel.: +31 (0)40 247 4966, e-mail: M.A.J.Roefs@tue.nl

Application
Please send your written application with curriculum vitae and list of publications to:

Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry,
dr. P.M.L.O. Scholte (e-mail: sollicitaties.st@tue.nl),
Managing Director,
P.O. Box 513,
5600 MB Eindhoven,
The Netherlands,

stating the vacancy number.

You can apply for this job before 31-03-2008

http://vacatures.tue.nl/web/Vacature.aspx?VacatureNummer=V37.588&Taal=English