DC2: Catalytic nitrate conversion to ammonia from N-loaded wastewaters (WP1)
Host institution: KU Leuven (Belgium)
Supervisor: Raf Dewil (PhD promoters)
Objectives: (i) To develop efficient and low-cost catalysts with finely tuned properties for catalyzing the production of ammonia from nitrogen-rich effluents, and (ii) to design and manufacture efficient reactor configurations optimized for ammonia production from effluents.
DC2 will perform critical research aiming at determining the optimal type and properties of catalytic materials essential for achieving maximum ammonia production. DC2 will pioneer eco-friendly synthesis methods for fabricating these catalysts, ensuring sustainability in production. State-of-the-art characterization techniques will be employed by DC2 to verify and optimize the properties crucial for the conversion processes. DC2 will lead efforts in designing and optimizing reactors specifically tailored for the catalytic conversion processes. This will involve a meticulous approach to configuring reactors, considering key parameters to maximize ammonia yield while minimizing energy consumption and undesired by-products. Advanced analytical techniques will be utilized by DC2 to reveal the intricate mechanisms underlying the conversion processes from nitrogen-containing compounds to ammonia. These comprehensive studies will provide vital insights into reaction kinetics, intermediate species, and catalyst interactions, essential for process optimization.
Expected results: Efficient conversion of nitrogen rich compounds to ammonia (>90%). Reports on the protocols, as well as results obtained on the energy carrier generation processes.
Planned secondments:
- TIMESEER (Sup.: S. Verhelst): M15-18, 4 months: Introduction on AI-application in catalytic wastewater treatment systems;
- UPatras (Sup.: D. Mantzavinos): M33-36; 4 months: Scale-up of the piezoelectric photocatalytic processes.
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, Catalysis, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- Adequate experience in catalysis, ammonia production, nitrogen cycling, or reactor design.
- Skills and knowledge in catalyst synthesis, reactor configuration, and advanced characterization techniques.
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required.