DC1: Novel piezoelectric photocatalytic water-splitting technologies for simultaneous wastewater treatment and hydrogen generation (WP1)
Host institution: KU Leuven (Belgium)
Supervisor: Raf Dewil (PhD promoters)
Objectives: (i) to develop efficient, low-cost, and durable piezoelectric photocatalysts (such as nitrogen-rich carbon nitrides) using waste-derived heterojunctions with efficient visible light absorption capacity for optimum hydrogen evolution, and (ii) to evaluate the possibility of using organic contaminants with complex structures in wastewater as potential sacrificial agents for simultaneous hydrogen production and wastewater treatment.
DC1 will design novel piezoelectric photocatalytic materials with well-tuned properties considering various sustainability and green chemistry principles and benchmarking against existing photocatalytic materials. DC1 will design and construct efficient reactor configurations and process conditions to achieve optimal hydrogen production while removing complex organic compounds (as potential sacrificial agents). DC1 will focus on decorating photocatalysts onto porous natural-based structures, such as diatom skeletons. DC1 will systematically investigate the mechanisms inherent in the implemented processes and enhance system performance by manipulating either the properties of photocatalytic materials or the process conditions, using lab-scale and pilot-scale reactors. DC1 will employ AI-based simulations for testing and optimizing the system’s reliability in large-scale applications.
Expected results: Knowledge on the development of efficient, durable, low-cost, and environmentally friendly piezoelectric photocatalytic systems. Successful pollutant removal (>90%) and 40% improvement in energy carrier generation, compared to benchmark technologies.
Planned secondments:
- TU Delft (Sup: J. Van Lier): 15-18; 4 months: Interaction between piezoelectric catalysts and microbial communities.
- Artelnics (Sup.: R. Lopez): M30-32; 3 months: Introduction on artificial intelligence application in catalytic wastewater treatment systems.
Enrolment in Doctoral degree: KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School of Science, Engineering and Technology (BE)
Ideal candidate profile:
- Having a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Experience in catalysis, photocatalysis, or hydrogen production; familiarity with wastewater treatment processes.
- Related skills and Knowledge of piezoelectric materials and processes, lab and pilot-scale reactor design, and sustainability principles. Having skills in AI-based modeling and material characterization is an advantage is a plus.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.