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Electrocatalytic reactor cell design

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Project Details

Program

Chemical Engineering

Field of Study

Reaction Engineering, Reactor Design, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Kinetic Modeling, Multphase Flows

Division

Physical Sciences and Engineering

Faculty Lab Link

https://mure.kaust.edu.sa

Center Affiliation

KAUST Catalysis Platform

Project Description

This project focuses on the design and analysis of electrocatalytic reactor cells for CO₂ reduction and related electrochemical transformations. The project addresses the reactor as a coupled system, integrating electrocatalyst structure, cell architecture, and operating dynamics.

The researcher will work on reactor concepts beyond static operation, exploring dynamic modes, intensified configurations, and structure-controlled electrodes. Activities include defining design requirements, translating electrochemical kinetics and transport phenomena into reactor-level models, and assessing how flow fields, electrode architecture, membranes, and operating conditions shape local reaction environments.

The project emphasizes engineering metrics—current density, selectivity, stability, energy efficiency, and scalability—rather than material performance alone. Outcomes include design guidelines for electrocatalytic cells and quantitative frameworks to support sizing and scale-up of intensified electrochemical reactors.

The internship offers exposure to electrocatalysis, reactor engineering, and system-level thinking, preparing the intern to work at the interface of materials, electrochemistry, and chemical reaction engineering.

About the Researcher

Pedro Castano

Professor, Chemical Engineering Physical Science and Engineering Division

Professor, Chemical Engineering

Physical Science and Engineering Division

Desired Project Deliverables

► Conceptual electrocatalytic reactor cell designs with defined operating windows ► Reactor-level models linking kinetics, transport, and cell architecture ► Quantitative assessment of performance metrics under dynamic and intensified operation ► Design guidelines supporting reactor sizing and potentially scale-up

Recommended Student Background

Reaction and reactor engineering

Chemical kinetics

Multifphase flows and fluid dynamics

Electrochemcal systems

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3-6 months

Internship period

100+

Research Projects

3.5/4

Cumulative GPA

310

Interns a Year