Work place

KTH in Stockholm is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. No less than one-third of Sweden’s technical research and engineering education capacity at university level is provided by KTH. Education and research spans from natural sciences to all branches of engineering and includes architecture, industrial management and urban planning. There are a total of just over 12,600 first and second level students and more than 1,800 doctoral students. KTH has almost 4,800 employees.

The School of Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Fibre and Polymer technology. It encompasses both fundamental and applied chemical sciences and seeks sustainable development through scientific excellence. Many research activities are interdisciplinary across the borders from chemistry to materials science, environmental science, biochemistry, biology and medicine. The School offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Science and Engineering, Higher Education Diploma in Chemical Engineering and three international Master programs Chemical Engineering for Energy and the Environment, Macromolecular Materials and Molecular Science and Engineering. We also cooperate with the Master programs Energy and Environment, Materials design and Engineering and Biotechnology.

Project description

Novel hydrometallurgical methods for rare earth metals

The group of rare earth metals includes scandium, yttrium and all 15 lanthanides, e.g. lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and erbium. They are often found together in nature at low concentrations in various minerals. Due to their chemical similarity they are difficult to separate from each other. Rare earth metals provide unique spectroscopic and magnetic properties, and are needed for a wide variety of products, such as catalysts, hybrid vehicles, rechargeable batteries, mobile phones, plasma televisions, disk drives and catalytic converters. The industrial demand for rare earth metals is increasing. Today more than 90% of global rare earth supplies are produced in China. However, rare earth bearing minerals are also found in Sweden. In addition, recycling of spent consumer and industrial products is becoming increasingly important for the availability of rare earths.

Two positions will be appointed. One is financed by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research and the other by the Swedish Energy Agency. The first project focuses on recycling and selective separation of rare earths from concentrates obtained from the Swedish mining industry. The aim of the second project is to develop a process to recover primarily rare earths, nickel and cobalt from spent NiMH batteries from vehicles. The purpose of both projects is to develop novel hydrometallurgical processes for separation and purification of these valuable metals from leach liquors. Three techniques will be investigated: precipitation, preparative chromatography and liquid membrane extraction. Both projects will involve aspects of inorganic chemistry, chemical engineering science and applied process development. The work will be performed in cooperation between the Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Technology at KTH and the Swedish Environmental Research Institute IVL.

Employment

Form of employment: Time-limited
Work time: Full time
Salary: According to KTH regulations for PhD students
Start date: By agreement

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

A suitable background for the project is an undergraduate degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or material science at Master level. Applicants should have an interest for chemical laboratory work as well as for process development, and be able to work with modelling and computer simulation. The candidates must be able to work both in a team and independently, and must show initiative and be proactive in their projects.

Application

Last day to apply: 2014-01-07
Reference number: K-2013-0701

The application should be sent by e-mail to: registrator-ke@che.kth.se

Please indicate the reference number K-2013-0701 in the e-mail subject.

The application should include a personal letter where the applicant describes her-/himself, her/his background and interests, and reasons for pursuing doctoral studies. A CV and copies of relevant academic/work experience should be enclosed and also attested official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate as well as published articles. Enclosed documents should be in PDF format.

Contact

Åke Rasmuson, Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 8227
E-mail: rasmuson@ket.kht.se

Kerstin Forsberg, Assistant Professor
Phone: +46 8 790 6404
E-mail: kerstino@kth.se

Trade union representative:

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: +46 8 790 7058
E-mail: lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se