PhD Position in Sorption-Enhanced Gasification for Hydrogen Production

This four-year PhD position at Tallinn University of Technology focuses on advancing sorption-enhanced gasification with calcium looping (SEG-CaL) using biomass, residues, and circular calcium-rich materials. Working within the Department of Energy Technology, the successful candidate will bridge laboratory-scale characterization and pilot-scale validation to investigate in-situ carbon capture, hydrogen-rich gas formation, and sorbent stability. The project combines thermogravimetric analysis, batch experimentation, and fluidised-bed pilot testing to assess operational feasibility and scale-up potential. The researcher is expected to conduct rigorous experimental work, collaborate with interdisciplinary partners, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute limited teaching support.

• Select, prepare, and characterize representative biomass, residues, and calcium-based sorbent materials.
• Perform thermogravimetric and laboratory experiments to evaluate gasification, carbonation, and calcination kinetics.
• Conduct batch-scale gasification tests under controlled temperature, steam, and sorbent conditions.
• Measure and analyze syngas composition, hydrogen yield, carbon conversion, and process efficiency.
• Assess sorbent deactivation, attrition, fouling, and cyclic stability for industrial scale-up.
• Assist in the design, commissioning, and operation of an integrated fluidised-bed combustion-pyrolysis pilot facility.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.
• Contribute to the supervision of bachelor's and master's students and participate in departmental teaching activities.