PhD opening – water structuring and dynamics in cementitious LDH phases

The PhD candidate will be supervised by prof. Ruben Snellings and dr. Eric Breynaert at the Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Dept. of Microbial and Molecular Systems of KU Leuven. The PhD candidate will work in a collaborative fundamental research project with access to beyond-state-of-the-art facilities.
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Project

Concrete, a composite material held together by hydrated cement, is the number one synthesized material by man-kind and responsible for 7% of global CO2 emissions.Promising low carbon cementscontain large amounts of layered double hydroxides (LDH), layered metal hydroxides containing water and anions in their interlayers.Gaining molecular level insight in theirstructure and propertiesis key to enabletheessentialtransition to low CO2 cement and concrete. The PhD opening is part of the LDH2O project. Theproject focuses on resolving the structural role of water in cement LDH phases. Using NMR crystallography, a powerful combination of advanced NMR spectroscopy, diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques, the project will shed new light on how the LDH interlayer architecture and hydration states are determined by the interlayer anion groups. This is important as changes in the LDH structure and properties impact the way concrete responds to changes in temperature, humidity, or aggressive environments.

The PhD position is embedded in an internationally reputed scientific environment with a competitive48 monthfull-time grant. The position implies the following responsibilities and tasks:

• Synthesize layered double hydroxides relevant to LDH2O and engage in molecular level characterisation of their structure and properties using NMR spectroscopy, X-ray scattering and Diffraction and/or Electron Microscopy;
• Participate actively in theproject as well as the research groupmeetings andtaking part in group activities and shared responsibilities;
• Follow the doctoral training programme of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (through journal publications, conference participation, and coursework);
• Supervise MSc and BSc dissertationsrelated to yourresearch topic;
• Provide training toBScandMScstudents;
• Contribute to writing peer reviewed papers, reports and grant applications (e.g. personal scholarship).

For some aspects of the project you will work individually, in other cases, you will operate as part of a small team.

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Offer

• The successful candidate will receive a full-time scholarship for four years for research in view of obtaining a PhD-degree in (Engineering) Science.
• You will work mainly in the Dept. Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Dept. Microbial and Molecular Systems with collaboration opportunities in the Materials and Civil Engineering departments on the campus Arenberg of KU Leuven.
• You will receive training from the Arenberg Doctoral School at University of Leuven.
• You will have access to top-notch analytical facilities and technical support.
• You will participate in experiments and learn how to use renowned large-scale facilities, including synchrotrons (e.g. ESRF, PETRA), high-field NMR centers (e.g. NMRCoRe, NHFML) and neutron facilities (ILL).
• You will gain experience in transferable skills and receive personalized mentoring.
• You will have the opportunity to participate in local and international conferences and build your scientific network.
• Funding is available but the successful candidate will be encouraged to also apply for additional fellowships.
• The position is available immediately.The start date is negotiable.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ruben Snellings, tel.: +32 16 32 48 89, mail: [emailprotected] or Dr. Eric Breynaert, tel.: +32 16 32 15 98, mail: [emailprotected].

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