About this role
PhD Position Advancing Electrically Driven Separation Processes via Local pH-Gradient Analysis (Delft, NL, 2628 CD) Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Other Engineering Posted on Sep 23, 2026 Challenge: Master electrically-induced pH gradients; Change: Investigate electrochemical interfaces to optimize separation performance; Impact: A chemical-free and circular Dutch process industry Job description Industrial processes and wastewater treatment currently depend heavily on chemical processing aids, increasing energy consumption and adding complexity to process operations and logistics. In this project, a collaborative initiative involving both academic and industrial partners, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), we aim to develop a fundamentally different approach. By harnessing electric fields to create local pH gradients and electrostatic molecular interactions, we seek to replace conventional chemical processing aids. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will investigate the fundamental behavior of electrically induced pH gradients at critical interfaces, including electrodes and membranes used in electrochemical separation processes. You will work towards specific user-cases / user-applications and demonstrate the membrane processes in close collaboration with the partners and other collaborators in the consortium, which are not yet known and will be defined throughout the project. Your main research will focus on: - visualizing and quantifying local pH gradients using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to understand their influence on separation performance and membrane durability; - elucidating transport phenomena in membranes by integrating your experimental observations with advanced electrode characterization data generated within the consortium; and - developing membrane modification strategies to enhance performance, durability, and antifouling properties, there...