PhD scholarship: In situ Electron Microscopy Characterization of Catalysts for Sustainable Energy
PhD scholarship: In situ Electron Microscopy Characterization of Catalysts for Sustainable Energy
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling
The Center for Electron Nanoscopy in the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Cen) is seeking a PhD student to work on the imaging of nanoparticle based catalysts under conditions approaching those found in an industrial reactor.
Operando imaging and spectroscopy has become a cornerstone in the development of novel catalyst systems. Often, techniques used for characterizing catalysts such as electron microscopy and various forms of X-ray spectroscopy, are only established for high or even ultrahigh vacuum environments. Hence, catalyst scientists have devoted significant effort to develop these techniques to be available in a controlled non-vacuum environment.
Responsibilities and tasks
The project is part of the new The Villum Center for the Science of Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals headed by Prof. Ib Chorkendorff. The Center will in general concentrate its efforts on developing the technology that can ensure a fossil-free energy and fuel as well as chemical production.
This particular PhD project has two main parts. One part is to characterize novel catalyst systems developed within the Villum Center under conditions approaching those found in industrial reactors aiming at unraveling their state and how it develops. We will furthermore characterize the systems from cradle to grave meaning from synthesis, through their on-stream active life to their deactivated state. All this in order to gain new fundamental knowledge on how to optimize the synthesis and operation conditions. The other part of the project is to develop and optimize the equipment used for the operando imaging in transmission electron microscopes. This latter part involves design of a gas handling system for a flow cell to be used in electron microscopes and develop an understanding of how various gas species, gas flows, gas pressure and temperature influences imaging and spectroscopy at the sub-Ångström level by means of electron microscopy.
The Villum Center is involving several departments around DTU and internationally. The successful candidate is hence expected to be a good communicator in an interdisciplinary project and act as the link between DTU Cen and the other project partners.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Thomas Willum Hansen, Associate Professor Christian D. Damsgaard, and Professor Jakob Birkedal Wagner.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
The workplace during the PhD project will mainly be at DTU Cen, Lyngby Campus.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Thomas Willum Hansen: twh@cen.dtu.dk and Professor Jakob B. Wagner: jakob.wagner@cen.dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Cen on http://www.cen.dtu.dk
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 June 2016. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The Center for Electron Nanoscopy is a young department (inaugurated in Dec. 2007) and state-of-the-art electron microscopy center within the Technical University of Denmark. The work carried out at DTU Cen is varied and spans the range of basic topographical studies to highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
