Doctoral student (m/f/d) | Activation and eactivation of molecular catalysts in carbonylation reactions by operando spectroscopy

Job Code: AV001

Job Offer from January 16, 2024

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr studies fundamental chemical processes for energy storage in chemical molecules. The research group of PD. Dr. Andreas J. Vorholt at the MPI CEC is looking for an enthusiastic doctoral student (m/f/d) to study activation and eactivation of molecular catalysts in carbonylation reactions by operando spectroscopy in a DFG funded cooperation project.

The starting date is flexible; the temporary position is for a period of 3 years.

We in the multiphase catalysis group want to approach research in the field of catalysis using a multiscale approach. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying catalytic phenomenology in continuous operated processes. Starting from the molecular level to the phase behaviour up to the process level, the conversions are considered in order to make them more sustainable and efficient.

This field lies at the interface between catalysis, chemical reaction engineering and process intensification. For this reason, the forces of chemistry and chemical process engineering are combined in this group to work on a number of areas:

• Research into new reaction schemes for obtaining substitute products to existing goods (e.g. fuels) from alternative resources.
• Investigation of different recycling strategies for molecular catalysts in multiphase systems, in combination with predictive models.
• Development of novel reactor concepts for enhanced catalysis to improve mass transfer and catalyst recyclability.
• Use of Operando spectroscopy techniques to understand the influence of the process deign like separation, reactor choices on the molecular level of the catalyst

The overall aim is to bring together the knowledge gained to implement process concepts on a miniplant scale and to use operando analytics to monitor the long-term stability of catalysts.

In homogeneous catalysis research focusses on catalyst’s activity and selectivity rather than stability. By deactivation processes physicochemical properties of the catalyst (metal-ligand complex) alter dynamically which can be analyzed by operando and in situ spectroscopic methods to reveal deactivation mechanisms.

The main objective of this project is to develop a deeper understanding of deactivation mechanisms in homogeneous catalysis and how to avoid accompanying negative effects on catalyzed reactions for continuous reaction processes. This is vital since deactivation processes influences drastical the practicability of new conversion that so important for new CO2 free economy.

Methodically, this will be achieved by using multi-spectroscopic measurements (IR, NMR, Raman) combined with advanced chemometric analysis during kinetic and continuous experiments including catalyst separation and recycle on process level. The resulting time-resolved molecular data of catalyst species and reactants will be used to develop kinetic models of deactivation.

The role of the doctoral student is to study the dynamics of molecular catalyst in the lab and conduct operando studies of the catalyst species.

Successful candidates should have a graduate science education in chemistry and a strong interest in spectroscopic techniques. The candidate should be highly motivated in also modelling DFT, kinetics and chemometic analysis .

We offer an international, dynamic working environment in a renowned research institute, family-friendly jobs and flexible working hours. The salary is in accordance with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for junior scientists.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

If you are interested in working on challenging interdisciplinary projects in materials science, please send your complete application with the reference code AV001 until the 15th of February, 2024 by e-mail to

[email protected]

Your application should contain a curriculum vitae (CV) and the names of two professional references whom we may contact. We are looking forward to getting to know you!

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