The high concentration of CO2 in seawater, approximately 100 mg L-1, represents a significant opportunity to extract and use this CO2 as a C1feedstock for synthetic fuels. Through an existing process patented by the U.S. Navy, CO2 and H2 can be concurrently extracted from seawater and used as reactants for direct Fischer-Tropsch from CO2(CO2-FT) to produce valuable oxygenates, specialty chemicals, and intermediate hydrocarbons (C2-C6) for synthetic fuel. The most commonly used catalysts for CO2-FT are slight variations of Fe and Co-based Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalysts, which show promise, but are not specifically designed for the CO2 reactant. We are interested in researchers who have expertise in catalysis, surface science, chemical engineering, inorganic chemistry, and novel energy solutions.

Additional Benefits

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.