DC9: Coupling the anaerobic membrane bioreactor with advanced photocatalytic materials for biofouling control (WP3)
Host institution: TU Delft (Netherlands)
Supervisor: Jules Van Lier (PhD promoter)
Objectives: (i) to develop novel anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs), combining visible-light photocatalysis with anaerobic digestion in optimized reactor configurations for efficient removal of key priority pollutants and biogas production, (ii) To investigate degradation mechanisms, including the formation of by-products and their effects on the anaerobic digestion process.
DC9 will develop sustainable and green methods and fabricate biomass-derived visible-light active carbonaceous heterojunctions, such as metal-free photoactive nitrogen-doped carbon nanosolenoids, with optimum properties like high electrical conductivity and charge carrier separation capability to enhance the photocatalytic decomposition of especially key priority pollutants responsible for fouling in AnMBRs. DC9 will decorate the pristine polymeric membranes with the fabricated photocatalysts in optimized AnMBR reactor configurations to achieve high energy efficiency and treatment efficiency in AnMBRs. DC9 will investigate the effects of the photocatalytic process on membrane fouling mitigation. DC9 will employ advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify the by-products formed during the photocatalytic process and their effects on anaerobic microorganisms.
Expected results: Knowledge regarding the development of the combined photocatalytic-AnMBR system. Considerable reduction in biofouling (>40%) Reports detailing protocols and outcomes achieved through the optimized strategy for the simultaneous removal of key priority pollutants and methane production.
Planned secondments:
- KU Leuven (Sup.: R. Dewil): M12-15, 4 months: Development of advanced photocatalytic materials and membrane structures;
- CloverStrategy (Sup.: T. Natal da Luz): M23-36, 4 months: Life-cycle analysis of the developed technologies.
Enrolment in Doctoral degree: Graduate School of Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences (CEG), TU Delft (NL)
Ideal candidate profile:
We are looking for an intrinsically motivated person:
- Holding a MSc degree in environmental (bio-) process engineering or equivalent.
- Affinity for microbiological laboratory work;
- Affinity with mechanistic modelling of biotechnological processes and/or membrane filtration is a pre.
- Experience with data analysis, laboratory research, experimental design or modelling.
- Excellent communication skills demonstrated through a written article or thesis, a public presentation or personal blog
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Independent working attitude.
Recruited candidate: pending employment formalities