PhD project: Transport and storage of clay suspensions

Aim is to find the conditions under which the CO2-loaded clay material can be stored most efficiently in the pore space of geological rock. To facilitate their transport, the clay particles will be suspended in aqueous liquid. A key challenge will be to achieve a high packing density in the end, while avoiding flow obstructions in the pathway. This optimization requires a (sodar lacking) understanding of the rheology of the clay suspension(s) in microchannel geometries. Particle interactions, concentration, flow rate and pore geometry are all expected to play a role. Their influences will be examined via bulk rheology, and microscopic visualization of the flow and clogging behavior inside microchannels. The state in which the clay gets stored will also be examined for time dependent properties. In a parallel research activity, the loading of clay particles with CO2 is studied and optimized. This activity will be closely linked to the work of the PhD student.

For this position (duration: 4 years) we are looking for a skilled experimentalist (physics, chemistry, engineering) with affinity for physical chemistry, rheology and microfluidics. You are highly motivated, and driven to develop into an excellent young researcher in a competitive field. Collaborations with colleagues from the (host) PCF, ST and STP groups, the MESA+ institute and outside form an integral part of the work.

• We offer you a four-year full-time position
• We provide excellent mentorship in a modern and a vivid research environment, with state-of-the art research facilities.
• You benefit from a professional and personal development program.
• Gross salary ranging from € 2395 to € 3061 (4th yr) per month
• Holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• Good secondary conditions
• A green Campus with lots of sports facilities.

For more information please refer to the group website: utwente.nl/tnw/pcf or address Dr. Michel Duits (m.h.g.duits@utwente.nl). Applications should include a specific motivation letter and a detailed CV. The project aims to start in the first half of 2021.

In the Physics of Complex Fluids group at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands), research is aimed at understanding various behaviors of multi-component fluids near interfaces. In the cCOOL project we develop the permanent storage of CO2 inside clay materials underground as a negative emission technology. In this collaborative project (involving 4 temporary researchers), the CO2 loading and storage is addressed at the level of the individual clay particles as well as the collective mechanical and chemical behavior at rest and in flow.