Multi-diagnostic NMR/DRS spectroscopy for H2 storage in nano-confined hydrates.

13 Apr 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

15 May 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-190

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Hydrogen storage and transportation is the main technological bottleneck preventing widespread implementation of hydrogen as sustainable energy vector. Hydrogen hydrates exhibit great potential for compact energy storage of hydrogen, even though the extreme pressure and temperature conditions required for their formation in bulk, has impeded practical application. Hydrophobic nanoscale confinement of water altering the structure and H-bonding network of water have been demonstrated to assist formation of hydrogen clathrates at much milder pressures and temperatures, and by tuning surface chemistry and porosity of the confining material, excellent hydrogen storage capacities have been predicted.Both for the development nano-confined of hydrogen hydrate storage systems and for fundamental studies of nano-confined water, the combination of materials tailored to provide the optimal nano-confinement with in situ static and magic angle spinning (MAS) 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and X-Ray scattering, provides the way forward. The overall goal of the project is to investigate water and water/hydrogen mixtures in hydrophobic nano-confinement using in situ multinuclear 1D and 2D NMR and X-ray/DRS methods to obtain novel scientific insights into the molecular organization of confined water, ice and hydrogen clathrate hydrate. The hydrophobic nano-confinement will be provided by periodic mesoporous organosilica host materials specifically synthesized for this project. The overarching goals are to identify the properties of the nano-confinement (pore size, shape and functionality) providing either enhanced stability of hydrogen clathrates or providing access to the so-called “No man’s land”, and to create a toolbox of NMR methods and infrastructure to routinely provide in situ static and magic angle spinning (MAS) 1H and 2D NMR spectroscopy of confined water. 

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

• A 4-year, fully funded PhD position in a stimulating multi-national environment
• The option to obtain a dual doctorate, shared between KU Leuven and the University of Hamburg and/or Florida State University
• The opportunity to be part of multiple large-scale international infrastructures including NMRCoRe (KU Leuven, Leuven, BE), PETRA (DESY, Hamburg, DE), NHFML (FSU, Tallahassee, US)
• We offer to train you in advanced NMR spectroscopy in the context renewable energy storage, molecular water science and nano-confined water

Eligibility criteria

■ You hold a Master degree in bio-engineering, chemistry, physics or can demonstrate relevant experience■ You are familiar with the theory and preferably practical aspect of NMR  and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, with a natural affinity for data analysis and scientific programming■ You are familiar with advanced electronic and RF circuit analysis ■ You can demonstrate experience in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, etc.) and data analysis■ You are a team player■ You are fluent in English, both orally and written■ Taking initiative comes natural to you■ You can demonstrate thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint■ Thorough knowledge of Sharepoint workflows is a plus■ You have experience working with MATLAB, Origin, IgorPro,..

Selection process

For more information please contact Dr. Eric Breynaert, tel.: +32 16 32 15 98, mail: [email protected] .
You can apply for this job no later than 15/05/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/Ok5oRfO21HxJGO2v9jVX

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED