PhD candidate - Fully-funded PhD topic: "Shape controlled thorium dioxide precipitation routes" at SCK CEN and KULeuven (Belgium)

Shape controlled thorium dioxide precipitation routes
SCK CEN has recently developed a new two-step precipitation process for the production of ThO2 powder. This PhD project deals with a continued optimization of this method.
It intends to develop a flexible process in which it will be possible to tune the parameters of the precipitation and calcination steps towards desired end-product characteristics, while paying attention to a minimal nuclear liquid waste generation.
The characteristics of the produced ThO2 powders will be analyzed using i.e. high-resolution thermal analysis equipment coupled with a mass spectrometer (TGA-MS), dilatometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (SEM), physisorption analysis, etc.
In addition it is foreseen to perform experiments to improve the re-processing of production residues. Finally, the student will be involved in the scale-up study of the process and contribute to the application- specific parameter optimization.

The minimum diploma level of candidate needs to be Master of sciences in Material Science, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
Estimated duration: 4 years - fully funded.

Additional information:
https://www.sckcen.be/en/sck-cen-academy/thesis-and-internship-topics/shape-controlled-thorium-dioxide-precipitation-routes-2618