项目介绍

2026年7月6日

This PhD project is embedded in the Group of Process Intensification with Alternative Energy Forms at KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Tom Van Gerven. We also form part of the larger Process Engineering for Sustainable Systems (ProcESS) section at the Department of Chemical Engineering with expertise in process intensification, use of alternative energy sources and membrane technology.

Unit website

Project

Mineral carbonation is the process where metal ions react with carbon dioxide to form metal carbonates. It is a relevant process for several application domains such as the production of inorganic fillers in paint and plastics, metallurgical extraction, and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). The reaction is slow and often does not reach complete conversion due to an unfavourable position of the chemical equilibrium. In this project novel routes for this process are investigated, targeting either faster, selective and more complete synthesis of the resulting carbonates (e.g., calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate), or the implementation of mineral carbonation in circular hydrometallurgy to regenerate acids for leaching. In this project solvent extraction-assisted carbonation and carbonation stripping are investigated by two PhD students, with the one in focus for this position will work on the application of high-intensity focused ultrasound in the different process steps involved (gas injection, dispersion, crystallization).

Profile

• Requirement: Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or the like with strong overall marks
• Knowledge of sonochemical processes and/or crystallization 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 position to become part of our international team with global research links.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Tom Van Gerven, mail: tom.vangerven@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than August 31, 2026 via the online application tool