PhD Position for the Spectroscopic Investigation of Oxide-Supported Clusters under Ambient Conditions

15.10.2021, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The group for Functional Nanomaterials investigates chemical and structural dynamics of functional surfaces such as small oxide-supported metal clusters with state-of-the-art spectroscopy and microscopy surface science techniques. Located in the Department of Chemistry of the Technical University of Munich, we offer a stimulating research environment in a multidisciplinary laboratory in one of the highest-ranked universities in Europe. We now offer a position for exceptional doctoral candidate to join our ERC-funded project on cluster catalysts under ambient conditions, available immediately and limited to three years. For full consideration, please send your CV, letter of motivation (max. 1 page) and two letters of reference to [email protected] by November 30th 2021.

Oxide-supported clusters (≤100 atoms) exhibit attractive properties for industrial catalysis which can change non-linearly, often with the addition of a single atom. Nanoparticles (>100 atoms) have been shown to become encapsulated by reducible oxides at elevated temperatures, which influences their activity significantly, but for small clusters, little is known about this effect. In this project, encapsulation in dependence of cluster size and support material will be investigated, with a special focus on its effect on catalytic activity. Using near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), we will follow the encapsulation process in situ to identi-fy any chemical changes, and subsequently investigate the stability and composition of the encapsulation layer in different gas environments.

As the successful candidate, you will perform temperature- and gas composition-dependent NAP-XPS experi-ments and in-depth data analysis. You will prepare single crystal (e.g. TiO2(110)) or thin film (e.g. Al2O3) sup-ports and generate size-selected metal clusters using a cluster source. NAP-XPS experiments will predominant-ly be performed at synchrotrons around the world (e.g. Berkeley, Lund, Trieste), and you will also be involved in the installation of a new lab-based NAP-XPS at TUM. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn about scanning tunneling microscopy which will provide complementary information about the structural changes of clusters at the same conditions.

Prospective candidates have a degree in physics, chemistry or a related field and are highly motivated to work on sophisticated physicochemical experimental setups. They show a strong interest in method development and solving technical challenges and bring along good communication skills in English. The successful candidate will further show a willingness to learn about new techniques and scientific fields and contribute their own ideas to the project. We are looking for a team player who collaborates closely with other team members while also working independently on their own project. Experience in XPS, ultrahigh vacuum technology, surface chemis-try, NAP studies, synchrotron techniques and basic programming skills (Matlab, Python, LabVIEW, …) are ad-vantageous.

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Kontakt: [email protected]