PhD Position: Carbonatable Binders and Their Reaction Mechanisms KU Leuven in Belgium

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of carbonatable binders and their reaction mechanisms, with the aim of developing CO2-negative solutions for the construction industry. The research will be conducted in collaboration between the Materials and Chemistry Unit at VITO (Mol) and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (section Geology) at KU Leuven (Leuven), under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ruben Snellings and co-promotion by Dr. Natalia Pires Martins.

Concrete production is a major source of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions, primarily due to the use of Portland cement. Carbonatable binders, which harden through a reaction with CO2, offer a promising alternative by binding CO2 into solid carbonate products, thus contributing to both the microstructure and strength of the material. The project will explore Ca-rich precursors such as portlandite, belite, and wollastonite, as well as Ca-Mg-silicates like akermanite, which have shown promising reactivity towards mineral carbonation. This research could unlock the use of Mg-silicate-rich residues, including slags and mine tailings, as raw materials for carbonatable binders, enabling large-scale CO2 storage in construction materials.

The PhD candidate will address key knowledge gaps regarding the relationship between binder phase reactivity and the resulting microstructure and properties of carbonated products. The project involves high-temperature synthesis of binders, carbonation experiments using advanced setups (reactors, curing chambers), and comprehensive materials characterization and microstructural analysis using techniques such as XRD, TGA, SEM-EDX, and ICP-OES. The candidate will actively participate in research group meetings, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, reports, and grant applications, and follow the doctoral training programme of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School.

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a MSc in Geoscience/Mineralogy, Chemistry, Bio-engineering, Materials or Civil Engineering, or equivalent, with excellent academic grades and a strong inorganic (geo)chemistry background. Familiarity with material characterization techniques and motivation to learn advanced synthesis and analytical methods is essential. Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required, and candidates should meet KU Leuven's language requirements. Analytical problem-solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, hands-on mentality, and experience in scientific programming and data analysis are desirable.

The successful candidate will receive a full-time scholarship for four years, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, technical support, and personalized mentoring. Additional fellowships are encouraged. The position offers opportunities to participate in local and international conferences, build a scientific network, and gain experience in transferable skills. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a supportive and respectful environment for all researchers.

For more information, contact Prof. Dr. Ruben Snellings at [email protected]. Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal. Ensure you meet the language requirements before submitting your application.