Doctoral scholarship holder novel CO2 reduction photocatalysts based on ultra-small gas-phase bi- and multi-metallic clusters that combine plasmonic and catalytic metals

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The A-PECS research group at the Department of Bioscience Engineering in the Faculty of Science and the Quantum Solid State Physics group at KU Leuven are looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of novel CO₂ reduction photocatalysts based on ultra-small gas-phase bi- and multi-metallic clusters that combine plasmonic and catalytic metals

These clusters will be deposited with high control over size and composition using cluster beam deposition on morphologically engineered TiO₂ nanotubes. The most efficient catalysts will be characterized ex situ by electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and under operating conditions by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS) and high-resolution Raman and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to unravel charge transfer mechanisms, active sites and intermediate molecules in the reaction pathway. Additionally, finite element theoretical modelling and density functional theory calculations will be used to further increase our understanding of the photo-reduction mechanism. Correlating these theoretical insights with the structure and activity of the clusters, will contribute to the rational design of a novel generation of CO₂ photo-reduction catalysts.

We wish to hire a joint doctoral student who will be working in both groups (50% at UAntwerp, 50% at KU Leuven ) for the full duration of this project, who will be closely assisted by two postdoctoral fellows, based respectively at A-PECS (UAntwerp) and QSP (KU Leuven). The hired PhD student will be in charge of producing clusters in the gas phase, depositing them on the titania nanotubes and SiO₂, and studying their ex situ structural and electronic properties at QSP-KU Leuven. The morphological engineering of the titania nanotube substrates is also one of their tasks. They will participate in the in situ /operando XANES/EXAFS measurements using in-house cells at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) and at the European Synchrotron (ESRF) and analyse the results. They will perform Nano Raman/SERS experiments and investigate the photochemical properties of the cluster-substrate system using an automated photocatalytic gas test setup for CO₂ photoreduction available at A-PECS. Importantly, the PhD candidate will thus receive a joint PhD degree by both UAntwerp and KU Leuven.

The position is funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) for a duration of 4 years. An initial contract for one year will be offered. Contract extension is conditional on a positive outcome of the annual reporting to the supervisory committee, according to the regulations of the doctoral school.

The starting date should ideally be in Autumn 2025.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD grant application in the domain of novel CO₂ reduction photocatalysts based on ultra-small gas-phase bi- and multi-metallic clusters that combine plasmonic and catalytic metals
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You are willing to assist in educational tasks.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, experimental physics, bioscience engineering - catalysis, or equivalent through experience; or you will have obtained it by the time you start to work.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.
• Candidates with prior experience in surface science, (photo)catalysis and electrochemistry will be preferred.
• You are flexible to arrange working at both host institutions (UAntwerp and KU Leuven), located ca. 50 km apart with a direct train connection in-between.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. We will evaluate the extension of the contract at the end of that year.
• The planned start date is aimed for autumn 2025 or earlier if possible.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will work towards a joint PhD degree from UAntwerp and KU Leuven.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 30 June 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • A motivation letter, explaining why your profile fits the job description
  • Your academic CV
  • A weblink to a short video introducing yourself is highly recommended
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. Only if you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. You can already save the following date: Selection interviews will be planned on 14 July 2025.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. Sammy Verbruggen ([email protected])

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.