Postdoc Experimental Surface Science for Catalysis: DTU 4017 views

Postdoc Experimental Surface Science for Catalysis: DTU

Postdoc in Experimental Surface Science for Catalysis by Single Atoms and Dimers at the DTU Physics (Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

Overview

The position is funded by the Carlsberg Foundation. The overarching aim of this project is to Establish new fundamental insight into the catalytic activity of single atoms and dimers. Specifically, the project focuses on two reactions where lack of selectivity is a major hindrance namely:

1. Hydrogen peroxide formation
2. CO₂ reduction.

Research Overview

This positions are at SurfCat which is also leading the “The Villum Center for the Science of Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals” (V-SUSTAIN), at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Here we enjoy a social, open and transparent scientific environment.

The position will be focused on synthesis, characterization and testing of single atoms and dimer catalysts using state-of-the-art in-house facilities or synchrotrons at SLAC or Lund. Specifically:

1. Well-controlled single atom and dimer catalysts will be prepared using a UHV-compatible magnetron-based cluster source with time-of-flight mass filter.
2. Samples will be characterized in detail using e.g. STM, TEM, XPS, ISS to probe dispersity and chemical state of the prepared single atom and dimer catalysts. Synchrotron experiments, specifically EXAFS for dispersion and the number and nature of neighboring atoms, ideally in situ.
3. Samples will be tested for both electrochemical and thermal heterogeneous catalytic activity and selectivity. The activity testing will rely on both traditional electrochemical setups but also a newly developed membrane electrochemical chip coupled to a mass spectrometer for detection of product molecules in real time. Similarly, for thermal catalytic testing a specially designed micro-reactor coupled to a mass spectrometer will be used.

Required Qualifications

1. Well-motivated, hardworking and willing and able to work as part of a team.
2. PhD degree in Physics, but candidates with appropriate background and a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science will also be considered.
3. Extensive experience working with UHV-systems/methods and experience with clusters/nanoparticles is naturally highly desirable.Should you have any queries regarding the positions, please contact Associate Professor Jakob Kibsgaard, [email protected].
   

   Application Procedure

Please submit your online application. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. Please “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

1. A cover letter motivating the application including describing you UHV experience. (Max one page)
2. A curriculum vitae
3. A list of publications
4. Copies of BSc, MSc and PhD degree diplomas
5. Names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of 2 references