PhD student in Nano-scale characterization of interfaces between electrolyte and semiconductor photocatalyst nanoparticles using in situ Atomic Force Microscopy

As a PhD student you will develop and use AFM-based spectroscopy to nanoscopically characterize the interfaces between electrolyte, semiconductor- and cocatalyst-nanoparticles under photocatalytic operating conditions (e. g. in liquid, under applied bias and illumination) and to establish surface property-catalytic activity correlations. Atomic scale surface structure, charge density, hydration state and morphology are assessed using amplitude modulation AFM. To elucidate the catalytic performance at the nanoscale, conductive and electrochemical AFM will be used. These methods should reveal correlations between topographic and catalytic activity via current mapping, and identify the underlying charge transport mechanism via local IV-spectroscopy. The portfolio of AFM methods will give unprecedented access to fundamental mechanisms of photo-electrochemical performance at the nanoscale, revealing e.g. the role of the defects, crystal facets, and fluid composition. This information will be instrumental for understanding the macroscale photo-(electro)catalysis performance limitations and thereby guide the development of novel more efficient materials for the desired redox reactions, such as water splitting or CO2

For more information please refer to the group website: www.utwente.nl/tnw/pcf or address Dr. Igor Siretanu ([email protected]). The application form should additionally include:

• Your detailed CV including the contact details of at least two academic references.
• A specific motivation letter, including a clear scientific statement about why you want to do your PhD on this specific project.
• A pdf file with a list of 2-3 publications by the PCF group that you find most interesting, with a 4-sentence motivation summary concerning each of the publications.

The project is ready to start. There will be interim selection procedures so it is possible that you will be assessed and invited to an interview before the closing date.

Our faculty focuses on three domains, namely Chemistry, Health, and Physics. We are the home base for the research institutes TechMed, MESA+, the Techno Centre for Education and Research TCO , and the Twente Graduate School TGS . TNW offers six Bachelor's and seven Master's programs in Health Sciences, Nanotechnology, (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, and Technical Medicine. Over 850 colleagues and 2,700 students are active within the faculty of Science & Technology.

In the Physics of Complex Fluids group at the University of Twente Enschede, The Netherlands, PCF , research is aimed to understand various behaviors of multicomponent fluids near interfaces.

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.