Postdoc position for in situ investigations of catalysts for base-grown CNTs from CH4

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 01 Jun 2022

The position is funded by the European Research Council under the Horizon Europe Climate Scheme. The overarching aim of STORMING (STructured unconventional reactors for CO2-fRee Methane catalytic cracking) aims to develop catalytic reactors powered by renewable electricity to produce, high-quality and highly-oriented Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) from sustainable carbon sources.

Responsibilities and qualifications
DTU will focus on design, preparation and testing of model catalysts based on computational modelling outputs (from other partners), to identify the key features of the catalyst to promote CNT base-growth, as well as regeneration procedures. DTU has access to size selected cluster source deposition equipment for producing model catalyst systems and it has an electron microscopy facility, DTU Nanolab, that houses an aberration corrected ETEM enabling in situ growth studies of model catalysts.

The Postdoc will mainly work on two tracks:

  • Metallicclusters, with accurate control in composition and size will be deposited on flat supports (steel, SiN, SiO, etc. ) including grids for SEM and TEM investigation. The catalyst will be tested in a dedicated setup and characterized ex situ to select the combination of catalyst composition, temperature, gas-feed composition (CH4, CH4/H2), and GHSV to promote CNT base-growth.
  • In situ TEM will be used to perform correlative imaging analysis of the most promising catalysts using temporal atomic resolved data acquired on state-of-the-art Aberration-Corrected Electron Microscope setup, and to investigate the growth orientation of CNTs compared to the catalyst metallic NP size and facet distribution. SCO and SCH will be tested as “chemical scissors” to enable large scale CNT harvesting.
  • Model systems on supports designed for

    Operando

    TEM will be prepared and studied using a setup operating at pressures up to 1 bar, giving atomic insight at operating conditions (activation, CH4 cracking and chemical scissoring) offering insight on how and when to grow or chemically harvest the CNTs.

    The successful candidate is well-motivated, hardworking and willing and able to work as part of a team. The candidate is expected to have a PhD degree in Physics, but candidates with appropriate background and a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science will also be considered. The preferred candidate will have an extensive experience with in situ transmission electron microscopy as well as a strong experimental background in catalysis or surface science. Experience with CNT growth and clusters/nanoparticles is highly desirable.

    The candidate should have demonstrated a scientific production and research potential at the highest international level. The candidate should also have demonstrated outstanding problem-solving skills, good communication skills in both spoken and written English, and experience in working independently and in a team.

    We offer
    DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

    Salary and terms of employment
    The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

    The period of employment is for 24 months.

    You can read more about http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths career paths at DTU here.

    Further information
    For further information about the research at SurfCat at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) please inspect http://www.cinf.dtu.dk <br">www.surfcat.dtu.dk <>< a=""> />
    Should you have any queries regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Christian Danvad Damsgaard mailto:[email protected] [email protected] .

    If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark DTU – Moving to Denmark.

    Application
    Your online application must be submitted no later than 1 June 2022 (Danish time). Apply at https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/vacant-positions <br">www.career.dtu.dk <>< a=""> />
    Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

    • Application (cover letter)
    • CV
    • Copies of BSc, MSc and PhD degree diplomas incl. list of grades obtained
    • List of publications
    • Names and e-mail addresses or telephone numbers of min. 2 references.

    Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their PhD degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

    Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

    All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

    Technology for people
    DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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