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Veerle Vandeginste
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Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) in Membrane Capacitive Deionisation or Membrane-Based Lithium Recovery from Battery Recycling Effluents KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
The Vandeginste research group at KU Leuven is recruiting a doctoral researcher for a project on membrane capacitive deionisation and membrane-based lithium recovery from battery recycling effluents. The work focuses on selective separation and recovery of lithium and other high-value metal ions from complex waste liquids generated by direct battery recycling.
The doctoral project combines functionalized ion-exchange membranes with electrochemical processing to improve selectivity, stability, and practical applicability. The student will work on membrane material design, electrode regulation, and electrochemical process optimization to achieve efficient enrichment and selective separation of metal ions in battery-system waste liquids. The project also includes evaluation and optimization of device stability and feasibility studies for integration into direct recycling workflows.
The research is set within a collaborative environment involving European universities and industrial partners, offering exposure to both academic and application-oriented work. The position is hosted in the Department of Materials Engineering (MTM) at KU Leuven.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field. Backgrounds in CDI, electrocatalysis, ion exchange membranes, membrane separation, flow batteries, electrochemical energy storage, electrode material design, or electrochemical metallurgy are preferred. Candidates should have good English communication and writing skills, be able to work relatively independently, and be motivated to publish high-level SCI papers.
How to apply
Send an email to Professor Veerle Vandeginste with your CV and motivation letter. Use the subject line 'PhD application MCDI' and copy Junru Wang in CC. After initial screening, shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further reply and interview.
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Professors
Professor at KU Leuven
Belgium
Research Interests
Reservoir Engineering
Materials Chemistry
Porosity Analysis
Carbon Sequestration
Experimental Geology
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.