Ph3Doctoral fellow - Department of Solid State Sciences /h3 pGhent University, Department of Solid State Sciences. /p h3YOUR TASKS /h3 pAIM: Develop and exploit novel (experimental) approaches to uncover the temperature household of heterogeneous catalysts during thermo-catalytic CO2 conversion. /p pSCIENTIFIC CONTEXT AND CHALLENGE: Heterogeneous catalysts lie at the heart of various industrial chemical processes and form the key towards environmental remediation in the coming decades. These solid nanomaterials expose tailored active surface sites that transform harmful waste molecules into added value products, such as renewable fuels. /p pWhile the main focus in the field has been on understanding the impact of the catalyst structure and its performance, the local catalyst temperature has to date remained largely unexplored. However, temperature is a crucial parameter in catalysis as it dominates the reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and stability of a catalyst. /p pRecent pioneering work from our group, published recently in Nature Catalysis, now enables to directly monitor the nanoscale temperature of the catalyst phase executing the reaction. The data shows that reaction heat from catalytic reactions causes significant temperature changes in the catalyst, potentially changing its local performance and impacting the catalyst stability. /p pPROGRAM AND JOB DESCRIPTION: In the PhD program, the doctoral student will develop the next generation of operando X-ray thermometry tools, strongly moving beyond the capabilities of the group’s recently-developed X-ray absorption thermometry method. In addition, the student will explore novel optical laser-based methods to chart nanoscale heat transport within catalysts. Both pillars will require a strong component of catalyst fabrication, to tailor model catalysts via gas‑phase deposition methods, including atomic layer deposition (ALD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD). /p pMore specific tasks: /p ul liSynthesize/fabricate metal nanoparticle catalysts by ALD/PVD, to convert CO₂ into renewable products, e.g. syngas, methane, methanol, etc. /li liParticipate in (and eventually lead) international synchrotron experiments (e.g. ESRF, SOLEIL) to develop and exploit the targeted operando X-ray thermometry methods. /li liPioneer novel optical laser-based methods to track heat flows in catalysts and possibly simulate bottlenecks for nanoscale heat transport via COMSOL/OpenFOAM. /li liCommit into script‑based data analysis of the obtained large synchrotron datasets. /li liWrite down your findings in high‑quality, first‑authored manuscripts for publication in flagship journals, and contribute to international conferences. /li liSupervise M.Sc. students in their thesis research project. /li liAssist in teaching activities at the Department of Solid State Sciences. /li /ul h3RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT /h3 pThe PhD thesis will be conducted under the supervision of Prof. Filez, fully embedded within the Conformal Coating of Nanomaterials (CoCooN) research group at the Department of Solid State Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium. The CoCooN group has strong expertise in ALD/PVD and a track record in X‑ray characterization both in‑house and at large‑scale synchrotron facilities abroad. The PhD topic is part of an FWO project. /p h3WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR /h3 h3REQUIREMENTS /h3 ul liHolder of a Master degree in physics, chemical or physics engineering, chemistry or a related discipline. The diploma requirements must be met by the date of appointment. Students graduating this academic year can therefore apply. /li liExcellent oral and written proficiency in English, with eye for detail, accuracy and nuance, in balance with efficient time management to smoothly run the project. /li liStrong scientific reasoning skills to perform high‑quality fundamental research. /li liYou are strongly interested in and motivated for the outlined research topic, can work independently and have a feeling of responsibility to execute your project. /li liGood command of programming languages, e.g. Matlab, Python, is a must. /li /ul h3STRENGTHS /h3 ul liKnowledge/experience in heterogeneous catalysis and/or heat transport phenomena. /li liKnowledge/experience in gas phase deposition techniques, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and physical vapour deposition (PVD), to fabricate model catalysts. /li liKnowledge/experience in synchrotron-based in‑situ/operando X‑ray spectroscopy‑diffraction, as well as the analysis of the resulting large datasets. /li liPrevious use of simulation software, e.g. COMSOL or OpenFOAM, is appreciated. /li /ul h3WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU /h3 ul liA challenging, stimulating and constructive work environment with a collegial atmosphere at the forefront of the field. You will also have the opportunity to engage in running activities of the group, where relevant. /li liDaily/weekly contact with your colleagues and supervisors to share your findings, discuss the challenges you face, and collaborate on solutions. Regular CoCooN group meetings to discuss your results and those of your colleagues. /li liWe offer a full‑time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which –after positive evaluation– will be extended to a maximum of 48 months. /li liThe fellowship amount is 100 % of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. /li liAll Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (annual basis for a full‑time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. /li liProvided the successful finalisation of your studies, a PhD degree with very good credentials for future employment in your career. /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr