PhD position: Engineered carbon surfaces for sustainable catalysis

This is a position In the Nano(bio)chemistry on Surfaces team of the Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics of the Department of Chemistry at KU Leuven. Innovative surface functionalization and characterization are central research themes of the team. We act by “Seeing is believing” and therefore, visualisation with (sub)molecular resolution is at the heart of our characterization methodology.
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Project

Given the enormous importance of catalysis in society, the development of new catalysts that go beyond current capabilities is crucially important. In this project, the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis will be combined by developing novel bifunctional heterogeneous systems, including one part of the catalysts grafted to and a complementary part physisorbed to a graphene surface. The robustness of the assembly should enable efficient catalysis of reactions of importance in the context of biobased chemicals.This multipartner project offers the exciting opportunity to do research in an multidisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in surface science, supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, organic synthesis, green chemistry, and computational chemistry.

We are seeking two highly motivated PhD students to join our team in the functionalization, characterization, and upscaling of carbon-based catalysts. One PhD student will focus on the functionalization, and characterization of “ideal” carbon surfaces, while upscaling to materials to be used as catalytic elements will be the key objective of the second PhD student. Both will apply, in collaboration, the carbon-based catalysts for catalysis of reactions of importance in the context of biobased chemicals.

Profile

• Master's degree in chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience in (electro)chemistry, or nanomaterials, or surface functionalization / characterization is a plus.

Offer

• A full-time PhD bursary contract for a period of 4 years, with a competitive stipend.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking in an international context.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Steven De Feyter, tel.: +32 16 32 79 21, mail: [email protected].

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