The technology you will develop features an innovative low-grade-heat-powered direct air capture unit. The direct air capture unit removes carbon dioxide from the air, concentrates it and compresses it to feed the electrochemical stack. The project will perform all the necessary groundwork for the full deployment of this technology before 2050.
During your studies you will work in the Emerging Sustainable Technologies Laboratory (ESTech Lab), be part of a world leading research group in carbon capture towards the development of a proof-of-concept super-efficient processes for direct air capture, have access to state-of-the-art equipment available including a small scale Direct Air Capture prototype (https://www.carboncapture.eng.ed.ac.uk/acca-atmospheric-carbon-capture) and brainstorm new technological avenues for Direct Air Capture.
Within the ESTEch Lab team, you will automatize and test a direct air capture laboratory-scale unit. We are looking for a person who can expand and gradually take the lead of the automation area of the ESTech Lab team. Expertise in Mechatronics is essential for this position. Previous knowledge in separation processes is less important since you are supported and supervised by the expertise of other researchers in the team, with the aim of learning the required knowledge by doing during the project development.
Your studies will be carried out at the Institute for Materials and Processes (IMP) and will include coding activities supported by experiments. You will attain skills in modelling, design and testing of negative emission technologies.
Please note, the position will be filled once a suitable candidate has been identified.
Further Information:
References: You find a description of the carbon capture process in G. Santori et. al. Adsorption artificial tree for atmospheric carbon dioxide capture, purification and compression, Energy 162 (2018) 1158-1168.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.08.090
or Green Open access: https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/adsorption-artificial-tree-for-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide-capture
The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
Closing Date:
Principal Supervisor:
Eligibility:
Desirable criteria: i) familiarity with 3D-CAD tools; ii) basic skills on utilization of one computational tool such as Matlab, Mathcad, Mathematica etc…
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Funding:
Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere
