Project summary 

Advances in catalysis have fueled the development of modern society, particularly thanks to zeolites, solid acid catalysts with versatile chemical composition and uniform micropores. Similarly to the vital role of the brain in a human body, the acid sites (framework metal atoms) determine the catalytic activity and selectivity of zeolite catalysts. Fine-tuning these acid sites at a “nanoscale” level (e.g., their nature/strength/concentration) has enabled us to enhance the properties of zeolites to some extent. However, currently available synthetic tools are still unable to control the acid-site structure in heterogeneous catalyst at an atomic level (e.g., their location at specific crystallographic positions), which is crucial for designing atom-efficient catalytic processes. We develop various synthetic techniques allowing fabrication of zeolites with desired active sites for specific catalytic reaction, characterize the designed materials using advanced diffraction, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to establish fundamental synthesis-structure-performance relationships. This is what we would like to explore further together with you, the successful applicant.

We offer:

  • A 4-year Ph.D. student position starting from April 2022
  • Funding from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ ERC_Cz grant
  • Opportunity to gain expertise in multiple synthetic and analytical techniques (X-ray diffraction, physisorption, FTIR and NMR spectroscopies, electron microscopy, among others)
  • Work in an international group of scientists across multiple disciplines, collaborations with international partners
  • Participation at international conferences and workshops

Requirements:

•M.Sc. or equivalent in Chemistry (Beneficial: strong background in Material Science, ideally, zeolites)

•Ability to communicate within an international team

•Enthusiasm for research in zeolite chemistry

Diagram Description automatically generated

Deadline is closed

Don’t hesitate, submit an application now!

Choose your specialization