3D Printing of porous media

The advent of 3D printing is revolutionizing the world as we see it. 3D printing is not only about plastic ware. Today concrete homes, sugar cakes and even human organs can be 3D printed. In our research group we are using 3D printing methods to create perfectly ordered porous media for a myriad of uses in process engineering, e.g. in separations, catalysis, filtration, etc.
Adsorptive media for the purification of proteins and other biological molecules will be produced in this PhD project. There is a number of exciting open questions that need to be addressed, i.e. the design of optimal geometries to improve the flow performance, the development of 3D printable materials suitable for bio-separations, the characterization of the separation process using 3D printed columns, and even the design of a novel 3D printer technique. The specific area of the PhD project will be determined accordingly to project needs as well as the candidate skills and preference.
We are the first in the word addressing the use of 3D printing in porous media and packed columns. We are seeking a motivated and creative candidate willing to explore this new area of development. The candidate must have a 1st class degree in chemical, materials or mechanical engineering. Candidates with a Science degree (physics, mathematics, chemistry biochemistry, biotechnology) will also be considered favourably.