PhD student to design plasmonic photocatalysts for CO2 conversion based on multi-metallic clusters
PhD @KU Leuven posted 1 month agoJob Description
Project
Artificial photosynthesis converting CO2 into high-value C1 and C2 chemicals (e.g. CO, methanol, ethanol) using solar energy is one of the most appealing strategies to address global climate change and shortage of energy supply but it requires highly efficient photocatalysts for the CO2 activation.
The goal of our collaborative project funded by the Flemish research foundation (FWO) between the Quantum Solid State Physics group at KU Leuven and the Antwerp Engineering, Photoelectrochemistry and Sensing (A-PECS) group at the University of Antwerp (UA) is to design novel CO2 reduction photocatalysts based on ultra-small gas-phase bi- and multi-metallic clusters that combine plasmonic and catalytic metals. These clusters will be deposited with high control over size and composition using cluster beam deposition on morphologically engineered TiO2 nanotubes. The most efficient catalysts will be characterized ex situ by electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and under operating conditions by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS) and high-resolution Raman and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to unravel charge transfer mechanisms, active sites and intermediate molecules in the reaction pathway. Additionally, finite element theoretical modelling and density functional theory calculations will be used to further increase our understanding of the photo-reduction mechanism. Correlating these theoretical insights with the structure and activity of the clusters, will contribute to the rational design of a novel generation of CO2 photo-reduction catalysts.
Profile
- The ideal candidate will have obtained very good grades for their Bachelor and Masters degrees, should be highly motivated, hardworking and able to work as part of an inter-disciplinary team across two universities.
- Candidates for the PhD position should have a Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioscience Engineering-chemistry/catalysis, Materials Science, Experimental Physics, or related.
- Candidates with demonstrated interests or prior experience in surface science, (photo)catalysis and electrochemistry will be preferred. Good knowledge of English is essential.
- Candidates should be flexible to work at both host institutions, located ca. 50 km apart with a direct train connection in-between.
Offer
- This position is funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) for a duration of 4 years.
- An initial contract for one year will be offered. A contract extension is conditional on a positive outcome of the annual progress reporting to the supervisory committee, according to the regulations of the Arenberg Doctoral School.
- As doctoral scholarship you will receive a generous, tax-free bursary equivalent to the net salary of a research assistant. In addition you will be entitled to a holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus and a generous non-pay benefits package.
- The starting date should ideally be in Autumn 2025.
https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/a-pecs/
Interested?
Please apply via the online application tool by submitting your CV and a motivation letter outlining your suitability for this role.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
