PhD vacancy – VITO doctoral grant

Title
Development of electrochemical technology for the recovery critical metals and production of crystalline
metallic nano-composites

Preferred education
Electrochemistry / Electrochemical engineering / Chemical engineering / Metallurgical engineering

Description
Recovery of critical metals and metalloids contained in dilute aqueous matrices by transformation into
marketable products is at the cutting edge of advanced separation and conversion technologies aiming at
resource recovery. In this respect, much work has been performed on technologies targeting removal of
the said elements mostly to meet discharge limits; yet, factual transformation into products that overcome
the cost of processing is incipient due the challenges associated to the dilution of the metals, complexity of
the matrices, selectivity and energy efficiency constrains of the best available technologies. VITO has
recently contributed to overcome these challenges with a proposed pipeline in which extraction, phase-
transformation (diluted to solid) and recovery are achieved through a series of electrochemical steps, in a
so-called gas-diffusion electrocrystalisation process. The dilute metals and metalloids can then be upgraded
to valuable crystalline materials in a one-step processing method. Greater knowledge of the fundamentals
of this process can enable a highly specific, high rate extraction, recovery and transformation technology
which is ecologically safe with a relatively low energy input. The present doctoral research aims to better
understand the core phenomena that drive and limit the said process from a combined theoretical (via
numerical modeling) and practical perspective. Ultimately, the goal of this work is to further develop
capacitive electrocrystallisation consistently with industrial relevance.
We seek candidates with a strong background on Electrochemistry / Electrochemical Engineering /
Metallurgical Engineering, to develop the proposal and execute the proposed research primarily at VITO
but in close collaboration with the KU-Leuven. An experimental approach is preferred, although good
modelling skills are considered an asset. Previous experience with modeling is preferred. This project will
reinforce the work of new electrochemical technology which is intertwined with a vibrant research
environment.

Promotor: Prof. Jan Fransaer (KU Leuven) jan.fransaer@mtm.kuleuven.be

Co-promotor: Dr. Xochitl Dominguez (VITO) xoch@vito.be

Application procedure:
rd
Please contact Dr. Dominguez by e-mail (including a pdf copy of your CV) no later than the 3 of July, 2015.
Upon appropriateness of your profile, you will be contacted to prepare a research proposal which will be
presented to the VITO doctoral jury. The deadlines and guidelines for the VITO doctoral grant are described
in the following link: https://vito.be/en/join-us/phd-vito