Doctoral student (m/f/d) | Carbonylation reactions from alternative sources by operando spectroscopy

Job Code: AV002

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 carbonylation reactions from alternative sources by operando spectroscopy in a BMBF funded P2ValueChemicals 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.

The aim of the P2ValueChemicals project is to demonstrate a complete value chain through to the production of chemicals at Evonik Oxeno's Chempark Marl. For this purpose, the commissioning and continuous operation of a low-temperature CO2 -to-CO electrolyser developed in cooperation with Siemens Energy is planned. The carbon monoxide produced will be used in the industrially-relevant carbonylation under application-relevant conditions, which is currently operated with fossil CO from OXENO is operated today.

In this industry cooperation project, the topic is to examine the catalyst on the molecular level by operando spectroscopy to study influences of Electrolyser CO. Kinetic studies and chemometric analysis of the relating catalysts are important to study stability and activation. Also, continuous operated experiments in a miniplant will be done in cooperation with a chemical engineer to study the long term stability of chosen catalysts.

Successful candidates should have a graduate science education in chemistry and a strong interest in catalyst development and spectroscopic techniques. The candidate should be highly motivated in DFT modelling, kinetics and chemometric analysis. Also, a very good communication attitude is beneficial the consortium of several cooperation partners from industry and academia.

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 AV002 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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