Open Positions

The behavior of phosphate ions on adsorbent surfaces is of central importance for the technical processes addressed in WERA for P recovery from wastewater.
 
In this PhD project, the adsorption of phosphate on adsorbent surfaces will be studied using molecular simulations based on classical force fields, which provides insights into the elementary processes at the interface that are difficult to study by experiments. In a first step, a model for the aqueous phosphate solution bulk phase will be developed and the macroscopic properties obtained from that model will be compared to experimental data. Then, the model will be used for the prediction of adsorption and desorption processes on adsorbent surfaces to elucidate the interfacial structure and process kinematics.

The most important scientific questions of this PhD will be on:

-  Elucidating the elementary processes of adsorption and desorption of phosphates on adsorbent material surfaces
-  Investigating the influence of impurities in aqueous solutions on adsorption 
-  Investigating the influence of different adsorbent materials

Requirements for applicants:

-  Excellent Master degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent in process engineering, physics, or chemistry
-  Experience in molecular simulation is beneficial though not essential 
-  Proficient in the English language and willingness to learn German (for non-German speaking persons)  

Application:

You can send your application for this PhD topic to Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Stephan: simon.stephan[at]rptu.de