Syngas production by joint valorization of plastic waste and CO2

Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU); España; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU) in Spain invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) position in the CPWV research group. The project aims to obtain synthesis gas by recovering waste plastics and CO2 through a two-stage pyrolysis and dry-steam reforming system.

Responsibilities include optimizing operating conditions with simulations and experiments, developing a kinetic model, and designing reforming catalysts to maximize CO2 conversion while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related subject.
• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related subject.

Responsibilities

• Develop kinetic models for the reforming process.
• Optimize operating conditions using simulations and experiments.
• Design and evaluate reforming catalysts, including deactivation and regeneration.
• Study CO2 recovery and synthesis gas production from plastics and real plastic waste.

Skills

Chemical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Organisation/Company Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU) Department Vice-Rectorate for Research Research Field Engineering » Chemical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 5 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The aim of the proposal is to obtain synthesis gas by recovering waste plastics and CO2, two environmental problems that require immediate attention. Specifically, the pyrolysis of plastics and the in-line dry-steam reforming of the volatiles formed is proposed. The CPWV research group, in which the applicants are included, has previously developed this two-stage system for the pyrolysis and steam reforming process, consisting of: i) a conical spouted bed reactor for the pyrolysis stage; ii) a fluidized bed reactor for the reforming stage. Although this previous strategy has demonstrated the effectiveness of the two-stage system, it is important to note that high hydrogen production in the steam reforming process is associated with high CO2 emissions. Consequently, this new proposal suggests the alternative of directing the process towards obtaining synthesis gas, not only minimizing carbon dioxide emissions, but also converting the process into a possible new route for CO2 recovery.

The innovative nature of the proposal, which comprises a continuous process for the joint recovery of plastics and CO2, aimed at obtaining a commercially viable synthesis gas (H2/CO ratio between 1 and 2), poses major challenges in terms of knowledge before a possible final scaling-up of the process. Firstly, it is essential to optimize the operating conditions, using simulation techniques and extensive experimental study, in order to establish the optimum conditions for obtaining a suitable synthesis gas and maximum CO2 conversion. Secondly, the effect of the steam/CO2 ratio of the reforming agent on the kinetics of steam and dry reforming reactions will be studied. In this regard, the development of a kinetic model that defines the overall reforming process is proposed. Thirdly, the design of the reforming catalyst will be addressed, evaluating both its initial activity and the deactivation and regeneration processes. These aspects are fundamental to ensuring the optimal efficiency of the catalyst. Once the catalyst design (metal, support and promoter) has been optimized, the effect of operating conditions on catalyst deactivation will be studied. To this end, a comprehensive characterization of the deactivated catalysts will be carried out, with the aim of advancing knowledge of the deactivation mechanism. Finally, the potential of the process for the recovery of different plastics and real plastic waste, such as marine plastic waste, will be explored in depth.

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related subject.

Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related subject.

Additional Information

Additional comments

Please read carefully sections 4 and 7 of the call.