PhD on Development of smart processes to enhance the circular energy carrier (CEC) performance—combustibility, cyclability, and safety—of iron powder

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Introduction

Join a pioneering project focused on designing smart processes to enhance combustibility, cyclability, and safety of iron powders to establish Metal-enabled Cycle of Renewable Energy (MeCRE)!

Job Description

One of the greatest challenges in the global energy transition is bridging the gap between society’s demand for continuous, reliable energy and the inherently intermittent and geographically scattered nature of renewable sources such as solar and wind. Iron powder is emerging as one of the most promising circular energy carriers due to its high energy density, carbon-free combustion, and excellent recyclability. Iron powder can be produced using green hydrogen and transported to end-users, where it is combusted with air to release energy. This combustion yields only solid iron oxide, which can then be collected, shipped back, and regenerated into iron fuel—thus completing the Metal-enabled Cycle of Renewable Energy (MeCRE), also known as the Iron Power Cycle.

To establish this cycle on large scales and long duration, we need to ensure iron powder satisfying the three key criteria of CEC performance:

• Combustibility: Good ignition rate enabling high-oxidation degree during the combustion process.
• Cyclability: Consistent powder material properties and minimal mass loss over cycles of reduction and combustion.
• Safety: Minimal propensity to unwanted ignition.

This PhD project focuses on developing smart processes to optimize the CEC performance of iron powder following the above-mentioned three criteria.

Your research will focus on:

(1) Designing and testing processes of H2-based reduction with post-treatments to effectively control the powder material properties, including particle size, pore characteristics, and pre-oxidation layer thickness.

(2) Investigating the combustion characteristics of these smart-processed iron powder with controlled properties--determining ignition temperature and overall oxidation degree—and performing mutli-cycle tests to examine the consistency of powder material properties.

The key responsibilities include:

• Conducting H₂-based thermal reduction experiments in a fluidized-bed reactor to perform parametric studies on how different reactor conditions, e.g., temperature, gas composition, influence the material properties of reduced particles.
• Conducting post-treatment (e.g., de-agglomeration, pre-oxidation) of the reduced powder to control particle size distribution and oxide shell thickness to enhance safety.
• Performing single-particle combustion tests to evaluate ignition behavior
• Conducting multi-cycle tests to examine the consistency of particle material properties measured via a set of material characterization techniques.
• Disseminating your findings through high-impact journal publications and presentations at international conferences.

This position is part of the research project "From Powder Material Properties to Metal-enabled Cycle of Renewable Energy (PMP-to-MeCRE)", funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) under the Open Technology Programme. You will work at the intersection of materials science, chemical processing, and combustion technology, in collaboration with both academic and industrial partners, including Metalot, RIFT, Iron+, KWR, ArcelorMittal (France), and Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN, Brazil).

Why Join Us?

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in the fast-emerging field of metal energy carriers. You will have access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities that support the entire Iron Power Cycle and play a key role in innovating reduction and post-treatment processes to enhance CEC performance of iron powders.

At TU Eindhoven (TU/e), we prioritize your academic and personal development. You’ll benefit from robust training programs, a collaborative and supportive research environment, and opportunities for international exposure.

Our research group, the Power and Flow Section in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, is recognized as a global leader in both the fundamental and applied aspects of Iron Power Cycle research. The team includes over 10 PhDs and postdocs and six faculty members with expertise ranging from computational modeling and experimental diagnostics to combustion physics and electrochemistry. As part of this dynamic group, you will receive strong mentorship and hands-on support to develop your skills and pursue your research goals.

Moreover, you will become an active member of the Eindhoven Institute for Renewable Energy Systems EIRES!

Project team

The PMP-to-MeCRE project is jointly led by Prof. XiaoCheng Mi, an expert in metal combustion, and Prof. Giulia Finotello, an expert in chemical processing for iron-oxide reduction, both from the Power and Flow Section at TU/e.

You will collaborate closely with:

• A fellow PhD researcher exploring the suitable feedstocks and processes to produce iron powder for the energy cycle.
• A postdoctoral researcher focused on standardization and precision in powder material characterization.
• Industry engineers and R&D specialists from our consortium partners who are actively contributing to the large-scale realization of the Iron Power Cycle.

This collaborative structure ensures a well-rounded and impactful research experience.

Job Requirements

We are seeking a talented and motivated candidate with a strong academic background and a passion for research. Ideal applicants will meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Solid foundation in thermo-fluid sciences and reactive flow systems.
• Hands-on experience with high-temperature experimental setups involving chemically reacting systems.
• Familiarity with materials characterization techniques (preferred but not required).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact prof. XiaoCheng Mi ([email protected]) and prof. Giulia Finotello ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR advice, [email protected] or +31 40 2475902.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.